Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday launched a new mobile application — Apna Meter, Apna Reading — allowing electricity consumers across Pakistan to submit their own meter readings directly to their distribution companies, in what he described as a “revolutionary step” towards transparency and consumer empowerment in the power sector.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, the premier said the initiative aims to gradually do away with the need for traditional meter readers, who have long been accused of overbilling and inaccuracies that often push low-usage households into higher billing slabs.
“We’ve taken reforms seriously. Appointing professionals on merit in power company boards and acting decisively against corruption in Discos was just the beginning,” Shehbaz said. “This app is part of a broader mission to fix the energy sector and give control back to the people.”
The application, now available in five regional languages, allows users to take a photo of their electricity meter on a given date and upload it. The submitted reading will then be used as the official basis for the monthly bill — overriding any later reading taken by company staff. The aim, officials say, is to put an end to overbilling, estimated readings, and the systemic delays that often penalize consumers unfairly.
Solar Backed, PTV Fee Dropped
The prime minister also announced the removal of the Rs35 Pakistan Television (PTV) fee from electricity bills, a long-standing complaint among consumers. “We believe in relieving the burden on the public wherever possible,” he said, adding that the government had already reduced electricity prices by Rs7.50 per unit after tough negotiations with independent power producers (IPPs) and by leveraging falling global oil prices.
While acknowledging the progress, Shehbaz Sharif stressed that power theft — amounting to nearly Rs500 billion annually — remains the sector’s most pressing challenge. “We’re not going to look the other way anymore. This app is one of several tools we’re putting in the hands of citizens to change how the system works.”
He also reaffirmed his government’s support for solar energy, calling it “the cheapest and most sustainable” electricity option for the country’s future. “We are seeing unprecedented growth in solar adoption across Pakistan, and we will continue to facilitate it,” he added.
‘Empowering the Consumer’
Federal Energy Minister Awais Leghari, also present at the event, said the idea behind the app was simple: hand over the responsibility — and the power — to the consumer.
“We know many protected consumers — those using under 100 units — ended up receiving higher bills simply because of late or flawed meter readings. Last year alone, we refunded Rs10 billion in wrongly charged amounts,” Leghari said. “This initiative ensures such mistakes won’t happen again.”
The Power Division, in a statement, described the app as not just a digital tool but a fundamental governance reform. “This gives real power to the people — they now monitor and submit their own readings, keeping the system accountable,” the statement read.
Officials clarified that if a user submits their meter reading on the due date, it will take precedence over any subsequent reading by the power company.
What’s Next?
As the app begins rollout, the federal government is pushing power distribution companies to spread awareness and guide consumers on using it effectively. Field staff have also been instructed to honor user-submitted data, while dedicated support lines are expected to help address technical issues in early stages.
With energy reform becoming a cornerstone of the current government’s agenda, Apna Meter, Apna Reading may signal a broader shift — one where the customer no longer suffers in silence but actively participates in the system.
