Verify Electricity Subsidy via QR Code Before June or Risk Tariff Increase in Punjab

Power Division Introduces Mandatory Digital Verification System

The Power Division has introduced a mandatory digital verification system for electricity consumers in Punjab using up to 200 units per month. Households that fail to complete the process risk losing their subsidised tariff, which could see per-unit rates nearly double from around Rs17-20 to Rs38-40.

The verification is simple and takes only a few minutes from your phone — no office visits required. The government says the move is aimed at ensuring subsidies reach only genuinely eligible households. Investigations found that multiple meters were being installed on single properties to keep individual readings below the 200-unit threshold, allowing repeated subsidy claims.

Under the new system, electricity connections will be linked to the national welfare database, limiting relief to one meter per CNIC. Consumers must complete a series of steps: scanning the QR code on their bill, entering their 14-digit reference number and CNIC, linking their mobile number (PTA-verified), and entering an OTP sent via SMS.

The system checks four conditions: the meter must be registered under a residential tariff; the consumer’s record should match BISP or NSER welfare data; only one meter per CNIC will receive the subsidy; and monthly consumption must consistently remain below 200 units. Seasonal spikes can temporarily push a consumer out of the eligible category.

Consumers should ensure their name on the bill matches their CNIC exactly to avoid any delay in verification. The Power Division has confirmed that the subsidised tariff will be restored from June 1 only for consumers who complete this process. All meters in non-compliant households will be billed at the full commercial rate, regardless of how many units are consumed.