Reading App for Electricity Consumers
The Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has officially launched the ‘Apna Meter, Apna Reading’ mobile application, enabling electricity consumers to record and submit their meter readings directly to power distribution companies. Reading App for Electricity Consumers
This initiative aims to improve billing accuracy, enhance transparency, and gradually eliminate the role of manual meter readers, a key source of billing complaints. Reading App for Electricity Consumers. The current pro rata billing system often shifts consumers into higher tariff slabs or removes them from the protected category, resulting in inflated bills. The app offers a user-friendly solution to avoid such discrepancies and give control back to consumers. Reading App for Electricity Consumers.
PM Calls Apna Meter Revolutionary
Speaking at the launch ceremony of the ‘Apna Meter, Apna Reading’ app, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the initiative a groundbreaking step in the government’s ongoing power sector reforms.
“This app marks a revolutionary move towards transparency and accountability,” he said. “While we’ve made significant progress, including merit-based appointments to Disco boards and decisive action against the corrupt mafia, there is still much work to be done to fix the system.”
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Electricity Price Cut by PM
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the energy minister for making tough, result-oriented efforts, including challenging negotiations with independent power producers that led to a reduction of Rs7.5 per unit in electricity prices.
He added, “We resolved the circular debt issue through successful talks with banks. When international oil prices dropped, we acted swiftly to reduce electricity rates. Despite facing pressure, we made the difficult choice to rebase tariffs without shifting the burden onto consumers.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the monthly Rs35 PTV fee currently collected through electricity bills will be abolished, providing relief to millions of consumers.
He also highlighted that the biggest challenge facing the power sector is electricity theft, which causes annual losses of over Rs500 billion. The government, he said, is actively pursuing measures to tackle this widespread issue and improve system efficiency.
Shehbaz Launches Meter Reading App
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting solar energy, calling it the most affordable source of electricity. “Pakistan is among the fastest-growing countries in solar energy production,
Speaking about the newly launched ‘Apna Meter, Apna Reading’ app, the prime minister emphasized that the biggest beneficiaries will be the consumers themselves. This revolutionary technology will bring convenience to every household,” he said, urging the power division to launch awareness campaigns so more people can benefit from the app, which is available in five regional languages.
Self-Meter Reading App Launched
Federal Minister for Energy, Awais Ahmed Leghari, stated that the new initiative transfers the responsibility of meter reading to consumers themselves. He noted that under the previous system, many protected-category users (those consuming under 100 units) received inflated bills due to delayed or inaccurate readings. Last year, the government refunded Rs 10 billion in overbilled charges. The Power Division added that users can now upload a photo of their meter on a specific date through the app, which will be used to generate an accurate monthly bill.
New App Ends Overbilling Issues
The purpose of this system is to offer a lasting solution to persistent issues like overbilling, incorrect meter readings, and delayed billing.
This is more than just a digital tool; it’s a real governance reform that puts power in the hands of consumers, the statement added. Through this system, users can not only monitor their bills but also take charge of the reading process.
One of the app’s key features is that it a user to submits their meter readings on the due date. Only that reading will be accepted; any reading taken afterward will not override the user-submitted data.
App Controls Overbilling, Ensures Fairness
This system is particularly valuable for subsidy-eligible consumers, especially those consuming up to 200 units of electricity. Whose typical bill is around Rs 2,330. However, just one extra unit can push them into a higher slab, raising the bill to Rs8,104.
According to the Power Division, the app ensures that eligible consumers can secure their subsidies by submitting timely meter readings.
The system enhances transparency, enables consumers to track their billing, and is expected to drastically reduce overbilling, interference, and complaints.
FAQs
1. What is the ‘Apna Meter, Apna Reading’ app?
The app is a mobile application launched by the Government of Pakistan that allows electricity consumers to take and submit their meter readings directly to their respective power distribution companies (Discos) for accurate and transparent billing.
2. Who benefits the most from this app?
The app is especially beneficial for protected-category consumers (those using up to 200 units), who risk losing subsidies due to delayed or incorrect readings. By submitting readings on time, they can ensure they stay within the subsidized slab.
3. How does the app help prevent overbilling?
By allowing consumers to upload a photo of their meter reading on the due date, the app uses only the user-submitted reading for billing and eliminates estimated or incorrect readings by meter readers.
4. In which languages is the app available?
The app is available in five regional languages, making it user-friendly and accessible for people across different provinces and language backgrounds.
5. Will this app replace meter readers completely?
The app aims to gradually phase out manual meter reading. Over time, it will reduce reliance on meter readers and minimize human error or manipulation in the billing process.
6. What is the impact of incorrect meter readings on consumer bills?
Even one extra unit can push a consumer into a higher tariff slab. For example, if you delay or inaccurately record the reading. A 200-unit bill of Rs2,330 can jump to Rs8,104 with just one extra unit.
7. Is the government taking any other steps to improve the power sector?
Yes. Along with launching this app, the government has reduced electricity prices by Rs7.5 per unit through negotiations with IPPs. Abolished the Rs35 monthly PTV fee, and is actively working to curb power theft worth Rs500 billion annually.
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