Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched a new mobile app to reduce electricity overbilling in Pakistan and increase transparency.
He introduced the Apna Meter, Apni Reading app at an event in Islamabad on Sunday. The app lets users submit their electricity meter readings through their phones.
Sharif said modernising institutions and digitising public services remains a top government priority. He called the launch part of broader reforms in the energy sector.
The Ministry of Energy developed the app under its Power Smart initiative. Consumers can upload a photo of their meter reading on a set date.
Sharif said meter reading had become unreliable. He blamed errors and manipulation by field staff for growing public frustration.
He said the new system empowers users to take control of their bills. Consumers who submit timely readings will not face later adjustments. Only the user-provided reading will count toward monthly billing. Officials said this rule removes the need for meter reader visits in such cases.
The prime minister noted growing anger over inflated bills. “Now people are dying over wrong bills,” he said. “This must stop.”
Sharif said the app offers a simple and direct solution. He added that tackling electricity overbilling is a top concern.
The Ministry of Energy said this is more than just a digital tool. It called the app a solid reform in governance. The system especially helps those receiving subsidies. A user consuming 200 units pays 2,330 rupees. Just one extra unit ends the subsidy. Once the subsidy is gone, the bill can jump to 8,104 rupees. This increase often results from incorrect meter readings.
With the new system, users can avoid this penalty. Timely readings will protect their subsidy eligibility.The app allows users to track their electricity use each month. It creates accountability and offers a check on overbilling.
Sharif also announced another major change. The government has removed the monthly 35-rupee (0.12 US dollars) Pakistan Television fee from all electricity bills. More than 40 million consumers were paying the charge. It generated nearly 1.5bn rupees (5.35mn US dollars) each month.
The fee removal applies to all users—residential, commercial, and industrial. Sharif called it direct relief during tough economic times.
Authorities have urged users to download the app and start submitting readings. The new system begins with the next billing cycle. Oficials said this reform will help stop electricity overbilling and restore public confidence in the energy sector.
