by On June 29, 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially unveiled the Power Smart App, also branded as “Apna Meter, Apni Reading”. The app enables consumers to photograph and upload their own electricity meter readings on a designated date each month. This puts control directly in the hands of users, aiming to reduce errors, overbilling, and bureaucratic delays.
2. Why It Matters
- Transparency & Accuracy
Erroneous meter readings by utility staff have long drawn complaints. Now, if both consumer and meter reader submit readings, the system uses the lower reading—eliminating inflated bills. - Timely Bill Generation
Once you submit your reading on the designated date, any subsequent readings taken by meter readers for that billing cycle are ignored. - Protecting Subsidies
Crossing the 200‑unit usage threshold by even one unit can push a subsidized bill from ~Rs 2,330 to over Rs 8,100. The app helps eligible consumers stay within the subsidy band by locking in their reading on time.
3. Wider Context & Sectoral Reforms
This launch forms part of a broader power‑sector reform:
- Merit‑based Disco board appointments
- Tackling circular debt
- Negotiating lower tariffs (reduction of ~Rs 7.5/unit)
- Removing the Rs 35/month PTV fee from electricity bills
- Aiming to curb annual power losses estimated at Rs 500 billion
- Promoting solar energy as a low‑cost alternative
4. How It Works, Step by Step
- Install the app (available in five languages: Urdu, English, and others).
- On your meter-reading day, photograph your electric meter using the app.
- The app uses that image to auto-generate your bill.
- If the meter reader also submits a reading later, the lower figure wins.
- Later readings are blocked, preserving your input as the official data for the cycle.
5. What Experts and Users Say
- Gov’t Officials describe it as a revolutionary reform empowering consumers.
- A Reddit discussion on r/pakistan confirms the shift: “The government is phasing out electricity meter readers… consumers will submit their own readings using a new mobile app…”
Advocates also point out this approach could pave the way for a future shift toward smart (“SIM”) meters, though phased roll-out is expected . Govt Launches Official App to Help Consumers Calculate Electricity Units.
6. Benefits at a Glance
| Advantage | Impact |
|---|---|
| Empowered consumers | Take control of billing accuracy |
| Reduced Billing Errors | System automatically chooses lowest reading |
| Subsidy Protection | Avoids losing relief due to single-unit overage |
| Lower Complaints | Boosts trust through accountability |
| Supports Reforms | Aligns with wider efforts to curb misuse & theft |
7. What’s Next?
- 📍 Nationwide Roll‑out currently in progress across Disco regions, with Karachi Electric working separately.
- 🔧 The app may evolve with new features—chatbots, usage analytics, and alerts.
- 📶 Digital Meters: Consumer photographic submissions might offer an interim solution until smart meters become universal.
8. Final Thoughts
The Apna Meter, Apni Reading app is a bold tech-forward step by the Pakistani government to democratize electricity billing. By giving consumers the power to record, validate, and lock in their meter readings, it enhances accuracy, responsiveness, and equity—especially for those relying on subsidies. Coupled with broader sectoral reforms, this app could mark a meaningful change in how electricity is billed, regulated, and trusted in Pakistan.
