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Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Pakistan's PM announces abolition of monthly Rs35 PTV fee from electricity bills
Tariq Butt, Gulf Today Correspondent Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Sunday formally inaugurated the 'Apna Meter, Apna Reading' power smart mobile application — an initiative aimed at promoting transparency in the billing process by allowing consumers to take their own meter readings and send them to their respective power companies. The prime minister also announced that the Pakistan Television (PTV) fee will be abolished from electricity bills. Consumers are currently charged Rs35 monthly PTV fee through electricity bills. The initiative aims to phase out the role of meter readers in power distribution companies (Discos) across the country amid frustration by power consumers. The current pro rata system removes electricity consumers from the 'protected category' or pushes them into the next slab, leading to higher bills. Speaking at a ceremony to launch the app, the prime minister said the initiative is a revolutionary step undertaken by the government as part of power sector reforms over the past year. 'We implemented reforms in the power sector, but we have a long way to go. We brought merit-based appointments to the boards of Discos, and took strong action against the corrupt mafia,' he said. Shahbaz said that the minister of energy made stringent efforts and held tough negotiations with independent power producers (IPP) that eventually led to reduction in electricity prices by Rs7.5 per unit. 'We settled circular debt after negotiations with banks. When global oil prices were falling, we took advantage and reduced electricity prices,' he said, adding that despite concerns, the government made the tough decision to rebase prices and not pass the burden to consumers. The premier said the biggest challenge is power theft worth Rs500b annually, and efforts are being made to curb the menace. He reaffirmed that the government will not discourage solar power as it is the cheapest form of electricity. 'Pakistan is one of the countries with the largest growth in solar energy production,' he said. Shahbaz said the main beneficiary of this app will be the power consumers. 'It is a revolutionary technology, it will benefit every consumer in every home,' adding that the power division should raise awareness among consumers to use the app, which has been introduced in five languages. Federal Minister of Energy Awais Ahmed Leghari also spoke on the occasion and said the initiative aims to give the responsibility of the meter reader to the consumers. He said power consumers under the 'protected category' consuming less than 100 units received higher bills due to delayed or flawed meter reading. He said the government returned Rs10bn in overbilled amounts last year and efforts are being made to ensure transparency in the billing process.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM unveils app for self meter reading
The minister invited international partners to invest in the nationwide rollout of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), estimating a $3 billion need to serve over 30 million consumers. PHOTO: File Listen to article `Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday officially launched the "Apna Meter, Apna Reading" smart mobile application, a new initiative designed to enhance transparency in electricity billing. The app enables consumers to record their own meter readings and submit them directly to their respective power distribution companies. "We implemented reforms in the power sector, but we have a long way to go. We brought merit-based appointments to the boards of Discos, and took strong action against the corrupt mafia," he said. The premier made these remarks at a ceremony to launch the "Apna Meter, Apna Reading" app. The initiative seeks to gradually eliminate the role of meter readers in power distribution companies (Discos) nationwide, addressing widespread dissatisfaction among consumers. Under the current pro rata system, many consumers are shifted out of the 'protected category' or moved into higher billing slabs, resulting in increased electricity charges. The prime minister maintained that the initiative is a revolutionary step undertaken by the government as part of power sector reforms over the past year. He noted that the energy minister made stringent efforts and held tough negotiations with independent power producers (IPP) that eventually led to reduction in electricity prices by Rs7.5 per unit. "We settled circular debt after negotiations with banks. When global oil prices were falling, we took advantage and reduced electricity prices," he said, adding that despite concerns, the government made the tough decision to rebase prices and not pass the burden to consumers. The premier announced that the Pakistan Television (PTV) fee will be abolished from electricity bills. Consumers are currently charged Rs35 monthly PTV fee through electricity bills. He noted that the biggest challenge is power theft worth Rs500bn annually, and efforts are being made to curb the menace. He emphasized that the government will not discourage solar power as it is the cheapest form of electricity. "Pakistan is one of the countries with the largest growth in solar energy production," he said. The prime minister observed that the main beneficiary of this app will be the power consumers. "It is a revolutionary technology, it will benefit every consumer in every home," adding that the power division should raise awareness among consumers to use the app, which has been introduced in five languages. Federal Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Leghari also spoke on the occasion and said the initiative aims to give the responsibility of the meter reader to the consumers. He pointed out that power consumers under the 'protected category' consuming less than 100 units received higher bills due to delayed or flawed meter reading. He said the government returned Rs10bn in overbilled amounts last year and efforts are being made to ensure transparency in the billing process. In a statement earlier, the Power Division said the new feature allows electricity consumers to take a picture of their electricity meter on a specified date and upload it to the app, based on which their monthly bill will be issued. The aim of this system is to provide an effective solution to long-standing problems such as overbilling, reading errors and delay in reading. "This is not just a technology feature but a concrete reform in governance, which truly empowers consumers. With this system, consumers will not only be able to keep track of their bills, but now they will also be the guardians of the reading process," it added. If the user provides the reading on the due date, the meter reading taken after that day will not be given priority, and only the reading provided by the user will be fed.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Govt not to discourage solarisation boom, committed to provide maximum relief: PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday the government would not discourage solarisation boom in the country as he welcomed the ongoing process, which is regarded as the most inexpensive way of producing electricity in the world. Addressing a launching ceremony of 'Apna Meter, Apni Reading', a power smart mobile application, developed by the Ministry of Energy, Power Division, the prime minister said Pakistan was among the few countries where the solarization process was rapidly taking place. Referring to vital reforms in the power sectors, the prime minister termed the launch of the mobile app as a revolutionary reform step which would benefit the consumers. Premier announces to end PTV fee charged from the power consumers in their monthly bills. Its introduction in five languages would improve the provincial coordination and harmony among the provinces, he added. The ceremony was attended by ministers, parliamentarians and relevant authorities. Power sector: federal cabinet approves Rs1.275trn bank loan to cut circular debt The prime minister said a series of reforms were being initiated in the relevant ministry for the last one year and spearheaded by the minister and his team who had been working hard and delivering substantial results. In the past, he said the government had taken different vital decisions, and stressed upon more to provide maximum relief to the consumers. Throughout Pakistan, the prime minister said, vital reforms were introduced in the DISCOs boards where merit-based appointments were made. Effective steps were also taken against corrupt mafia, he said, adding for reduction in power prices, a task force and the minister concerned had really worked hard. The prime minister, in his address telecast on national TV channels, referred to negotiations held with the Pakistani IPPs to bring down power tariff terming it 'hard negotiations and a difficult phase'. Thus, price of per unit was reduced to Rs7.41 for the households. While the government also held negotiations with the banks to settle down the circular debt issue which was a big achievement, he added. The prime minister said when the prices of petroleum prices at the international market were sliding down, the government took its advantage and provided relief to the power consumers in the fortnightly petroleum products price adjustments. Moreover, collective decision was taken to address the rebasing issues and by capping the per unit price under the same rate. The prime minister also announced to end PTV fee charged from the power consumers in their monthly bills. He also identified two challenges in the power sector, including power theft amounting to Rs500 billion and the difference between the high production and less consumption of electricity due to solarization in the country. PM Shehbaz said the government was fully cognizant of the challenges and were exploring ways to take the country on the path of progress, besides ensuring to further reduce the power tariff for the industrial or household consumers. China exports more solar panels to Pakistan than to many G20 nations in 5 years: report Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, addressing the ceremony, said the government was depending upon use of latest technology to ensure transparency and provide relief to the consumers. He said overbilling was a big issue and the government was able to reimburse billions of rupees charged in this regard to consumers. Meter readers' mechanism was now handed over to consumers through the developed app, Leghari said.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt launches ‘Apna Meter, Apni Reading' power smart app
The minister invited international partners to invest in the nationwide rollout of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), estimating a $3 billion need to serve over 30 million consumers. PHOTO: File The federal government launched a new power smart mobile application, 'Apna Meter, Apni Reading', aimed at enhancing transparency in electricity billing and empowering consumers to take control of their monthly meter readings, it emerged on Sunday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially inaugurated the app, developed by the Power Division under the leadership of Minister Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari. The app allows users to upload a photo of their meter reading on a specific date, which will then be used to generate their bill. The move targets key issues such as overbilling, delayed or inaccurate readings, and lack of transparency in the current system. Consumers who submit their readings will override any subsequent company readings for that billing cycle. The feature is particularly beneficial for subsidised consumers, helping them avoid losing their eligibility due to minor discrepancies. For example, crossing the 200-unit usage threshold by even one unit can spike a bill from PKR 2,330 to over PKR 8,000.
Express Tribune
24-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Self-metering coming soon for electricity users in Lahore
Listen to article The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) is set to launch a new mobile application, allowing consumers to submit their own electricity meter readings. The initiative, titled Apna Meter, Apni Reading, was announced by LESCO Chief Executive Officer Ramzan Butt during a recent address at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. While further technical details and visuals of the app remain undisclosed, the official launch is expected soon. The project aims to increase transparency and reduce billing disputes. In his remarks, Butt underscored the critical role of the energy sector in national stability. 'There is a growing consensus that the survival of the country depends directly on the viability of the power sector,' he said. He stated that a Rapid Response Force has been deployed to ensure quick restoration of electricity in the event of weather-related outages or other disruptions. Addressing concerns of overbilling and faulty readings, Butt dismissed such claims, asserting that consumer complaints are being actively resolved. 'Lesco is addressing all concerns, including meter replacements and new connections, at consumers' doorsteps,' he said. He further stressed the importance of business leaders, noting that their energy consumption drives economic momentum. 'The role of the business community in supporting the power sector is indispensable,' he added. To curb industrial disruptions, Butt said directives have been issued to prevent tripping incidents on industrial feeders. He also responded to concerns about First Information Reports (FIRs), assuring stakeholders that Lesco is implementing safeguards to prevent undue legal action. On meter malfunctions, he acknowledged that some issues arise due to lack of awareness among industrial users. 'Responsibility for meter monitoring has been reassigned to meter readers to address this gap,' he said. LESCO also confirmed that there are no material shortages affecting operations at present.
