In a major step toward power sector reform, the federal government has launched the “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” mobile application, enabling electricity consumers to submit their own meter readings in a bid to improve billing accuracy and reduce widespread overbilling.

The app, now available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, allows consumers to upload a photo of their electricity meter reading on a designated date each month. The submitted reading will be used to generate their electricity bill.

To ensure fairness, if both the consumer and the official meter reader submit readings, the lower of the two will be used. Additionally, if a consumer submits their reading on time, any subsequent reading by the meter reader will be disregarded. The app is available in five languages, aiming to improve accessibility and transparency, particularly for subsidy-eligible consumers.

Power Minister Awais Leghari said the new initiative would empower consumers and significantly reduce complaints related to inflated bills. “This app gives the power back to the people and will help address a long-standing issue of overbilling,” he added.

The launch comes as part of a broader reform drive led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has ordered the app’s nationwide implementation. In a related move, the Prime Minister also announced the removal of the Rs. 35 PTV license fee from electricity bills, another step aimed at easing the financial burden on consumers.

The Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan loses around Rs. 500 billion annually due to power theft and reiterated the government’s commitment to overhauling the power sector. Ongoing reforms include restructuring DISCO boards, ensuring merit-based appointments, and implementing measures to tackle the circular debt crisis.