Big Move Against Fake Meter Reading
A great news for the people fed up with excessive electricity bills and fake meter reading across the country. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” app, through which consumers will now be able to upload their own bill readings. This step will not only empower consumers but will also help ensure transparency and accuracy in the electricity system. Now every consumer will have the power to control their own bill without the intervention of any meter reader.
The aim of this new system is to end the ongoing complaints of overbilling and corruption across the country. In the current system, where meter readers used to take readings themselves and send pictures, there were often complaints of incorrect readings. Now, under the “Power Smart App”, guidance will be provided not only in Urdu but also in four regional languages so that every Pakistani can easily benefit from this facility. Moreover, thorough testing will be carried out before the launch of this app to avoid any technical glitches.
The government has also launched a massive media campaign for the success of this initiative, for which Rs 316 million has been allocated. This campaign will make consumers aware of the benefits of self-submission of readings and will usher in a new era in the electricity billing system. All the institutions, including PITC and MEPCO, are now going to set an example of transparency, trust and efficiency, the real benefit of which will reach the public directly. Do share your opinion in the comments.
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End of the Road for Fake Meter Reading and Overbilling
Currently, meter readers from distribution companies (DISCOs) take photos of electric meters and submit them for billing. But this system has been widely criticized for fake meter reading, inflated bills, and lack of accountability. Consumers nationwide have lodged thousands of complaints regarding incorrect meter readings and unjustified electricity charges.
In a high-level meeting held on June 17, 2025, PM Shehbaz Sharif reviewed these concerns and directed the Power Division to immediately roll out a solution. The result? The upcoming Power Smart App, featuring a user-friendly interface in Urdu and four regional languages Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, and Balochi to make it accessible to everyone, even in rural areas.
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How Will the Apna Meter Apni Reading App Work?
With the Apna Meter, Apni Reading app, consumers will photograph their own meters and upload the data directly. This initiative excludes the KE (K-Electric) areas but will apply to all other parts of Pakistan. The app’s soft launch will begin soon to address any technical glitches before the full-scale national rollout.
PM Shehbaz has given a 30-day deadline to the Power Division to finalize a comprehensive plan for phasing out meter readers. This reform marks a significant step toward digitization, transparency, and energy sector accountability.
Media Campaign and Budget Allocation
To raise public awareness, a nationwide media campaign worth Rs. 316 million has been approved. This campaign will highlight the benefits of self-meter reading and educate users on how to use the new system. The Power Information Technology Company (PITC) is also coordinating with DISCOs to run localized awareness programs and provide promotional material.
PITC has created detailed Terms of Reference (ToR) that outline the campaign’s scope, objectives, execution process, and responsibilities of various stakeholders including MEPCO. Activities like vendor coordination, media planning, monitoring, and reporting are all being streamlined to ensure smooth implementation.
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Ensuring a Smooth Rollout
The PITC has been instructed to thoroughly test and validate all mobile applications like Power Smart App, Apna Meter Apni Reading, CCMS+, and Line Man Mobile Solution before their public release. The aim is to prevent any technical failure and to ensure a reliable and user-friendly experience for all electricity consumers.
To further support the launch, it’s suggested that electronic media channels provide free airtime for public service announcements. DISCOs have also raised concerns about campaign costs and whether they should be deducted from consumer bills or funded separately by PITC through physical promotional material like banners and boards.
A Step Toward Empowerment and Transparency
This digital shift is not just about technology it’s about empowering consumers. By ending the role of potentially corrupt meter readers, the government hopes to eliminate overbilling, fake meter reading, and consumer exploitation. With full transparency and citizen participation, Pakistan’s power sector is expected to become more efficient, more just, and more modern.
Conclusion
The approval of the “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” app marks a bold step by the Government of Pakistan to put an end to fake meter reading, overbilling, and corrupt practices in the electricity sector. This citizen-powered initiative is designed to shift control from unreliable meter readers to the hands of the people ensuring every household receives fair, accurate, and transparent electricity bills. With multilingual support and government-backed awareness campaigns, this move not only introduces digital convenience but also restores public trust in the energy sector. As Pakistan moves toward a smarter future, this reform has the potential to become a model for digital governance across other utility services as well.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” app?
It’s a new digital app approved by the government that allows electricity users to submit their own meter readings to ensure billing accuracy and eliminate fake readings.
Why is this app being launched?
To stop fake meter reading, reduce overbilling, and eliminate the need for third-party meter readers, who often contribute to inaccurate bills.
Will the app be available in regional languages?
Yes, the app will support Urdu and four regional languages Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, and Balochi to make it accessible to everyone.
Is this app for all areas in Pakistan?
It will be rolled out nationwide, except for K-Electric regions, which already have separate billing systems.
Will meter readers be completely removed?
Yes, over time. The government has given one month to develop a complete plan for the gradual removal of meter readers from the billing system.
When will the app be available to the public?
A soft launch is expected soon to resolve any technical issues, followed by a full-scale rollout across the country.
Is there any media campaign planned to educate users?
Yes, a media campaign worth Rs. 31.6 crore has been approved to inform the public about how to use the app and its benefits.
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