Islamabad: Smart meters will be installed on transformers across all Distribution Companies (DISCOs), Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division Ahad Cheema announced during a meeting today. This initiative aims to reduce electricity theft, improve billing accuracy, and protect consumers from overbilling, thereby safeguarding the interests of consumers, investors, and the government.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting in Islamabad reviewed development programs for DISCOs and discussed efforts by the Economic Affairs Division to secure funding for the installation of smart meters. Negotiations with multilateral partners for these development programs will continue until the completion of privatisation. If a DISCO is privatised while negotiations or program preparations are underway, the relevant financing and development programs will be transferred to the private investor, subject to agreed arrangements.

Ahad Cheema highlighted that any new project undertaken by a private investor within a DISCO must go through competitive bidding and receive approval from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, as applicable. He reiterated that the purpose of privatisation is not to impose costs or undue pressure on consumers and that the government will facilitate the process, ensuring that consumers’ interests are protected and that investors fulfill their financial and contractual obligations.