ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Power Division has launched the Power Smart App as part of its “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” initiative, aiming to enhance billing transparency and accuracy for electricity consumers.
The app was unveiled on Sunday by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to a spokesperson for the Power Division.
With the new app, electricity users can now submit their own meter readings by uploading a photograph of their electricity meter on a specified date. The system will then calculate their monthly bill based on the submitted image, reducing reliance on manual readings and minimizing errors, delays, and overbilling.
Officials say the app will be especially helpful for subsidy-eligible consumers, particularly those consuming up to 200 units of electricity, who typically receive a subsidised bill of around Rs 2,330. Slight overuse can push them past the threshold, disqualifying them from subsidies and potentially raising their bill to over Rs 8,000.
By allowing users to submit timely and accurate readings, the Power Smart App ensures that these consumers can retain their subsidy benefits and avoid unexpected billing hikes due to delayed or estimated meter readings.
One of the app’s most important features is that consumer-submitted readings, if provided on the designated date, will override any subsequent readings taken by field staff, ensuring that the consumer’s data is prioritized.
“Effective action is being taken against corrupt elements in the power sector,” the spokesperson added, highlighting the role of a dedicated task force and ministerial efforts that have contributed to a reduction in electricity prices. The prime minister noted that the government had passed on the benefit of falling global oil prices to local consumers through power tariff adjustments.
The Power Division sees the app as a digital step toward empowering consumers and improving transparency across the electricity billing system.
