ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Energy has launched a major nationwide rollout of smart meters as part of its 2025-26 customer service improvement drive, officials said. The initiative aims to modernize Pakistan’s electricity distribution system, enhance billing accuracy, and build public trust in power companies.
A ministry spokesperson said that cost reductions have made the program feasible, with smart meter prices falling from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 15,000 per single-phase unit following procurement reforms and competitive market engagement. Around 80 percent of Pakistan’s 38 million electricity consumers use single-phase meters. The government estimates that replacing five million meters annually could save Rs. 25 billion.
Under the new system, human meter reading will largely end, as remote automation will reduce errors, increase transparency, and help resolve long-standing disputes over faulty billing. Consumers will also be able to track electricity consumption in real time via mobile applications, giving them greater control over their monthly bills.
Officials said prices are expected to fall further through global competitive bidding. The Ministry emphasized that the rollout represents a significant milestone in digitalizing Pakistan’s power sector and improving service quality at distribution companies, marking a step forward in modern energy management and consumer protection.
