Smart meters on transformers will be installed across all power distribution companies (DISCOs), the government has announced, as part of a push to curb electricity theft and overbilling. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division Ahad Cheema chaired a meeting on the issue in Islamabad on Tuesday.
What the Meeting Decided on Smart Meters
The meeting reviewed development programmes for DISCOs and discussed efforts by the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) to arrange funding for smart metering on transformers nationwide. Participants noted that positive progress has been made so far in arranging the money, according to an official release.
The smart meters are meant to track electricity flowing through transformers, which helps spot theft, improve billing accuracy and protect consumers from being overcharged.
Project to Continue After Privatisation
A major point of discussion was what happens to the project once DISCOs are privatised. Ahad Cheema said the government will put arrangements in place so private investors carry the smart metering project forward.
| Issue | Government position |
|---|---|
| Funding talks | Negotiations with multilateral partners continue until privatisation is complete |
| If a DISCO is privatised mid-process | Financing and development programmes transfer to the private investor, subject to agreed arrangements |
| New investor projects | Must go through competitive bidding and get NEPRA approval, as applicable |
Consumer Protection Stressed
The minister stressed that privatisation is not meant to shift costs or undue pressure onto consumers. He said the government will facilitate the process while safeguarding consumers’ interests and making sure investors meet their financial and contractual obligations.
The meeting was also attended by Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Privatisation and other senior officials.
What Happens Next
Funding arrangements with development partners will continue while the privatisation process moves ahead. Consumers will be watching whether transformer-level smart metering actually reduces theft-related losses and billing complaints, which have long pushed up bills for honest customers.
Read more: Govt to End 200-Unit Electricity Penalty, Plans Targeted Subsidy
Follow the TaazaTaren channel for the latest updates.
