Govt to Phase Out Manual Meter Reading with Nationwide Digital Billing Rollout

Pakistan is set to replace manual electricity meter readings with a new digital self-reporting system, following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s approval of a national rollout—excluding Karachi.

Under the initiative, consumers across the country will soon be able to submit their electricity meter readings through a mobile application called Apna Meter Apni Reading (“My Meter, My Reading”). The programme is intended to address persistent issues of overbilling and inaccurate meter readings, which have sparked widespread public dissatisfaction.

“This new system is designed to empower consumers and bring greater transparency to the billing process,” said an official involved in the plan. “It will also help reduce administrative costs.”

The app will be developed in five languages—English, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtu, and Balochi—to ensure broad accessibility across Pakistan. The government also plans to launch a Rs316 million public awareness campaign to promote user adoption and educate citizens on the benefits of digital self-metering.

Karachi, serviced by the privately run Karachi Electric (KE), will not be part of the reform. Officials confirmed that the policy will only apply to distribution companies under federal jurisdiction.

The Power Division has been tasked with delivering a complete implementation roadmap within a month. Authorities expect the digital billing system to reduce corruption, minimise billing disputes, and restore public trust in a power sector long plagued by inefficiencies. The cost savings from phasing out manual meter readers will, officials say, ultimately be passed on to consumers.