The government has unveiled plans to replace all three-phase electricity meters with AMI smart meters by December 2026, in what it describes as a crucial step toward modernizing Pakistan’s power sector.
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The project begins with LESCO, which will install 350,000 smart meters in its distribution network. Officials estimate the transition will cost the company billions of rupees, but say the long-term financial savings justify the investment.
Smart meters can track electricity use in real time, helping utilities cut down on theft and losses while giving consumers accurate billing. By improving revenue recovery, the initiative could also help reduce Pakistan’s mounting circular debt.
Analysts say the economic benefits could be significant. “If implemented properly, smart meters will strengthen utilities and reduce subsidies,” one energy expert said. “But it depends on strict oversight and efficient execution.”
While the plan offers hope for consumers and the economy, the ambitious 2026 deadline raises concerns. Distribution companies already face financial pressures and limited technical capacity, which could slow progress.
The move marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to energy management, as it seeks to leverage technology to address long-standing issues of inefficiency and financial instability in the power sector. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for future technological upgrades across other sectors, potentially paving the way for a more digitally-integrated and economically stable Pakistan.
However, critics note that the sheer scale of the project, coupled with the tight timeline, poses a considerable challenge that will require immense coordination and political will to overcome.
