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Business Recorder
01-08-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM commends Leghari for power sector reforms
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif has applauded Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Leghari and Secretary Power, Dr Fakhre Alam Irfan for their outstanding performance in steering the government's reform agenda in the power sector through a particularly challenging period. In appreciation letters to both the top men of Power Division, the prime minister stated that the reduction of Rs 780 billion in circular debt, bringing the overall stock down to Rs 1,614 billion, was indeed a Herculean task made possible through 'your persistent effort and effective collaboration across institutions.' 'The successful renegotiation of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with more than 35 Independent Power Producers (IPPs), including the termination of six contracts, is a historic intervention. These efforts have resulted in savings of approximately Rs 3.6 trillion for the national exchequer,' stated the letter. The prime minister further stated that the overall tariff reduction of Rs 8.35 per unit compared to the previous year has delivered tangible relief to power consumers, not only easing the burden on households but also invigorating industrial demand, with lasting impacts across multiple sectors of the economy. The introduction of people-centric initiatives such as 'Apna Meter, Apni Reading' exemplifies a responsive and modern approach to governance that will help reshape public trust in the power sector. 'I congratulate you and your team on these commendable strides, and I trust that your continued efforts will further strengthen Pakistan's energy security and economic resilience,' the prime minister added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
24-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
FESCO launches ‘Apna Meter, Apna Reading' programme
FAISALBAD: On the special directives of the Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari and Chief Executive Officer FESCO Engr. Muhammad Aamer, Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) has launched the 'Apna Meter, Apna Reading' program which is a practical embodiment of the Prime Minister of Pakistan's vision of 'Digital Pakistan', through which transparency, efficiency and accountability are being ensured. In this connection, FESCO spokesman said that "Apna Meter, Apna Reading" is an innovative and revolutionary initiative of the Government of Pakistan. The main objective of this program is to empower electricity consumers to submit their own meter readings. Under this initiative, consumers can submit their own electricity readings through the mobile application "Power Smart App", which will not only increase transparency but also be helpful to eliminate the overbilling, he added. He said that the Power Smart Mobile Application can be downloaded from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS). After registering on the app by entering their consumer ID and other required information, users can use its feature 'Apna Meter Apni Reading' to take a picture of their electricity meter on a specified date and upload it through the app. The image of the customer's meter reading submitted through this app will be given priority over the image of the reading taken in the same billing cycle by the concerned Distribution Company. While the reading sent by the consumers will be considered as final and on the basis of this reading uploaded by the consumers, his monthly electricity bill will be prepared and 'Apna Meter Apni Reading' will also be written on the bill along with a picture. The practical implementation of "Apna Meter Apni Reading" is also helping to reduce overbilling, reading errors, and delay in billing. He further added that this app is very useful for users who are in the protected category, as uploading a photo on their due date of reading will prevent them from being included in the non-protected category. The FESCO administration has appealed to electricity consumers to keep a proper distance from the meter and electricity wires while taking pictures of the meter readings for uploading on app and keep safety rules in mind because safety of consumers is FESCO's top priority. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Electricity subsidies: Minister questions reliability of BISP data
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Tuesday questioned the reliability of data from the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) that the government intends to use for targeting and expanding electricity subsidies. Speaking during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Power, chaired by MNA Muhammad Idrees, the Minister addressed several issues concerning power subsidies and theft. In response to a query by Rana Muhammad Hayat about domestic consumers using up to 200 electricity units per month, Leghari said that of the total 380 million consumers, around 180 million of them fall into this usage category, which sees an annual growth of approximately four million consumers. Targeted power subsidies under BISP: Roadmap submitted to IMF, World Bank He emphasised that subsidised electricity is meant to support low and middle-income households. 'Protected consumers are receiving electricity at an 80 percent discounted rate, which is the lowest in the region,' he stated. The Minister pointed out that many consumers using up to 300 units per month have installed solar PV systems, which they utilise during daylight hours for purposes like water extraction and operating agricultural equipment. As a result, the subsidy burden has increased significantly. 'We are moving towards reforms to ensure subsidies are extended equitably to truly deserving individuals. However, there are discrepancies in the BISP data that need to be addressed to ensure fair treatment,' Leghari said. On the issue of minor variations in monthly consumption— such as 200 versus 201 units— the Minister noted that a threshold must be established. He added that the Prime Minister has launched the 'Apna Meter, Apni Reading' mobile application to help curb over-billing. When asked about power sector losses, the Minister revealed that electricity theft accounts for Rs 250 billion annually, out of total losses amounting to Rs 500 billion. The remaining half is attributed to non-recovery of bills. He clarified that electricity cannot be supplied to illegal housing societies or slums (katchi Abadis) unless requested by local authorities. Distribution companies (Discos), he added, are only obligated to provide connections upon formal requests from relevant authorities. 'While supplying electricity to informal settlements may be financially beneficial for Discos, it ultimately burdens the national exchequer,' Leghari explained. 'Although increased consumption can lower tariffs, we cannot extend services to unregulated developments.' The Minister confirmed to Business Recorder that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had responded to his earlier correspondence regarding the discontinuation of Electricity Duty (ED) on power bills starting July 1, 2025. Responses from other provinces are still awaited, he said, adding that annual ED collections currently stand at around Rs 60–70 billion. 'We'll be discussing Sindh's response at the Prime Minister's level,' he said. Leghari acknowledged that the ED is a legitimate provincial right, but argued that provinces should collect it independently instead of using Discos as collection agents. He also expressed a desire to simplify power bills. 'If there's any variation in ED collection, a settlement process is followed. But I do not want to act as a collecting agent for provinces,' he asserted. In response to another query, Leghari confirmed that discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and development partners are ongoing regarding subsidised electricity tariffs for the industrial and agricultural sectors. However, the Committee decided to defer agenda items related to discriminatory electricity load-shedding by Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) and denial of basic utility rights to bill-paying constituents, as well as the comprehensive briefing by the CEO, HESCO, on electricity load-shedding and completion of grid station works at Jam Nawaz Ali, district Sanghar. The Committee reviewed the comprehensive report on the implementation status of its previous recommendations from the meeting held on May 29, 2025, and expressed satisfaction with the majority of the actions taken. The Special Secretary, Power Division, informed the Committee that in response to the Committee's recommendation, the issue of initiating electricity billing in 25 villages in Shabqadar, district Peshawar, was reconsidered. Meetings had been convened with the local community and concerned MNAs to resolve the matter. The CEO, PESCO, informed the Committee that local residents remain unwilling to clear outstanding dues or accept individual electricity meters, insisting instead on a fixed monthly lump-sum payment per household. The MNA from Charsadda apprised the Committee that the issue dates back to 1999, and electricity connections to the residents were disconnected in 2022. To resolve the issue, the MNA from Charsadda proposed the provision of solar energy system to the affected villages. However, the Minister for Power explained that actions are currently under way to curb illegal connections, and electricity meters are being installed based on Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs). He further requested that the concerned MNA provide details of unauthorised connections. The Committee decided that upon receipt of the details, a sub-committee would be constituted to investigate the matter further. The Committee was also briefed on the internship programs offered during the Financial Year 2024-25 across departments under the Power Division. It was informed that a total of 1,996 unpaid and 551 paid internships had been offered. While student interns receive only a token amount of Rs. 3,000 per month, graduate engineers under the apprenticeship program are paid Rs. 75,000 per month for two-month tenure. Members expressed concern over this disparity and directed the Division to explore options for establishing a uniform and market-competitive stipend policy. Further, the Committee deliberated on the non-completion of work on two 11KV feeders— Jhalkot and Komalia— crossing the River Indus in Kohistan. It directed that WAPDA release the required funds to PESCO for timely completion of these projects. A comprehensive joint briefing was also given by HESCO and K-Electric regarding the provision of an alternate grid station (500KV to 220KV) to enhance power supply to Sindh and Karachi. This included proposals for additional transformers, upgrading the existing transformers at Jamshoro, and establishing a new 220KV Grid Station at Nawabshah. NTDC also presented a briefing on the development of an alternate power source near Sekhat Road (500KV to 220KV) in Sindh, and the installation of transmission lines from the Mirpurkhas NTDC Grid Station. Syed Waseem Hussain, MNA from Hyderabad, raised concerns about the current electricity distribution status, noting that HESCO is also supplying electricity to Karachi. He stated that due to rising demand, the distribution system is often rendered dysfunctional. At present, demand stands at 1600MW, while supply is limited to 1100MW. He proposed the establishment of a new grid station in response to the area's growing population. The Committee, after the briefing, directed the CEO, HESCO and MD, NTDC to prepare a comprehensive technical and financial report addressing grid issues and power sector reforms for presentation in the next meeting. Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan, MNA from Punjab, raised the issue of numerous illegal electricity connections in Katchi Abadis in major cities. He proposed regularising these connections through fines and issuing formal demand notices. The Minister responded that power supply planning to new housing schemes depends on the prior approval of layout plans by municipal or development authorities, as power infrastructure needs to be aligned with other essential services such as water, sanitation, and road networks. Lastly, the Committee decided to take up in its next meeting the issue of varying charges levied on consumption of 200 and 201 electricity units. The Minister; however, proposed that the next session should primarily focus on electricity theft and the status of bill recoveries across the Division. The meeting was attended by MNAs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Chaudhry Naseer Ahmed Abbas, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, Rana Muhammad Hayat Khan, Muhammad Abdul Ghaffar Watto, Muhammad Shaharyar Khan Mahar, Syed Abrar Ali Shah, Syed Waseem Hussain, Malik Anwar Taj, Sher Ali Arbab, Haji Imtiaz Ahmed Choudhry, and Ali Afzal Sahi. Senior officers from Power Division, NTDC, HESCO, PESCO, K-Electric and TESCO were also present. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Gulf Today
30-06-2025
- 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
30-06-2025
- 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.
