Pakistan to introduce ‘Apna Meter Apni Reading’ app to tackle electricity overbilling

LAHORE: Pakistan will begin phasing out manual electricity meter readers across the country, excluding Karachi, as part of a new digital billing system approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to government officials.

The plan, aimed at tackling the long-standing issue of overbilling, will allow electricity consumers to submit their own meter readings using a mobile application called Apna Meter Apni Reading (“My Meter, My Reading”). 

The shift comes amid growing public frustration over inflated electricity bills, which authorities say are often caused by inaccurate manual readings. In a recent meeting, Sharif directed the Power Division to finalise a full implementation roadmap within a month. 

“The new system is designed to empower consumers and bring greater transparency to the billing process,” an official involved in the project told reporters. “It will also help cut down on administrative costs.” 

The Power Division will develop the app in five languages, English, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtu and Balochi, to make it accessible to users nationwide. 

A Rs316 million public awareness campaign is also being planned to encourage consumers to use the app and understand the benefits of self-metering. Officials say the money saved by reducing manual labour will be passed on to consumers. 

Karachi, which is serviced by privately-owned Karachi Electric (KE), is not included in the new policy. 

The government expects the digital push to reduce billing disputes, curb corruption, and restore trust in a power sector often marred by inefficiency and complaints. 

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