PM Shehbaz Launches ‘Apna Meter; Apni Reading’ App to Fight Overbilling – A Big Step Towards Transparent Power Consumption

In a major push toward empowering electricity consumers and bringing transparency to the power sector, PM Shehbaz launches Apna Meter App, an initiative poised to reshape how Pakistanis monitor their electricity usage and bills. Announced in Islamabad, this new smart mobile application — ‘Apna Meter; Apni Reading’ — has been developed by the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) to directly combat one of the most frustrating issues faced by households across Pakistan: overbilling.

A Revolutionary Step for Power Consumers

Addressing the official launch ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the Apna Meter App is a revolutionary reform designed to empower citizens with real-time control over their electricity consumption and billing. In an unprecedented move, the app allows users to submit their own meter readings, cutting out the often faulty and inconsistent practices of third-party meter readers.

This application is a user-centric approach and will be available in five regional languages, ensuring accessibility and inclusion across all provinces. This multilingual feature is expected to enhance provincial coordination and foster national unity by promoting transparency and fairness in utility billing.

Embracing the Solarization Movement

In his address, the Prime Minister also reassured the public that the government will continue to support the solarization movement in the country. Highlighting solar energy as one of the most affordable and sustainable sources of electricity in the world, PM Shehbaz praised Pakistan’s rapid adoption of solar solutions and pledged not to hinder this vital transition.

However, he noted a growing challenge: a discrepancy between electricity production and consumption due to widespread solar adoption. While this reflects progress in renewable energy, it also demands smart policies to maintain equilibrium in the power grid.

Reforms Rooted in Accountability and Progress

The launch of the app is just one part of a larger reform agenda being implemented by the government. The Prime Minister shared updates on several initiatives including:

• Merit-based appointments in DISCOs boards to strengthen leadership
• Crackdown on corruption within the power sector
• Reduction of electricity tariffs, with the household unit cost now brought down to Rs. 7.41
• Successful negotiations with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and banks to tackle circular debt
• Removal of PTV fees from monthly electricity bills, offering additional relief to consumers

The focus remains on technological innovation and consumer empowerment — the core pillars of the government’s strategy to revive the sector.

Tackling the Rs. 500 Billion Power Theft Problem

Another major issue highlighted was power theft, which accounts for a staggering Rs. 500 billion loss annually. The government is developing comprehensive strategies to confront this menace head-on. With tools like the Apna Meter App, the power to monitor and manage electricity use is now in the hands of consumers, increasing accountability and reducing the scope for theft and misreporting.

Minister for Energy, Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, underlined that the use of cutting-edge technology is key to bringing transparency. He shared that thanks to tech-driven efforts, billions in overbilled charges have already been reimbursed to affected consumers — a massive win for public trust.

Conclusion

PM Shehbaz launches Apna Meter App not just as a digital tool, but as a powerful symbol of consumer empowerment and transparency in Pakistan’s energy sector. By allowing households to take charge of their own meter readings, the government is setting a strong precedent for citizen-focused reform and responsible governance.

As solarization continues to gain momentum and the energy sector evolves, this app marks the beginning of a smarter, fairer, and more sustainable future for electricity consumers across the country.