As part of the “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” campaign, Pakistan unveiled the Self Meter Reading App, marking a significant advancement in digitalization and public empowerment. Power users may use their cellphones to submit their own meter readings with the app, which was introduced by the Ministry of Power in 2025 and is backed by significant electrical distribution firms including PESCO, IESCO, LESCO, MEPCO, and K-Electric. Reducing overbilling and human mistake while giving users full control is the goal of this action.

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For years, consumers throughout the country have dealt with meter reading problems, estimated billing errors, and inflated prices as a result of delayed meter inspections. In many situations, consumers lost their subsidy eligibility because the monthly reading was not reported accurately or timely. This leads to increased costs and a general lack of confidence between consumers and their electricity providers. The government hopes to alter that with this app, which offers a straightforward and user-friendly charging experience.

This Self Meter Reading App is user-friendly and was created with the typical customer in mind. After installation, consumers may use their consumer ID to register and receive an SMS confirming their account. The software asks the user to snap a clear picture of their power meter and manually enter the displayed numbers when it’s time to submit the reading. The relevant electrical company is then contacted immediately with this photo and reading. The user’s reading is considered as the official one, taking the place of any meter reader input obtained later, provided that the submission is submitted before the deadline.

The fact that the software helps maintain a customer’s eligibility for subsidized billing is one of its most notable advantages. Users that use less than 200 units, for instance, frequently belong to a protected group that has cheaper power prices. In the past, they could have slipped into a higher billing slab due to a delay or a reading error. The new approach guarantees that a user remains in the appropriate category if they turn in their reading on time. For many low-usage homes, this has already helped restore justice and stop overbilling.

The Self Meter Reading App provides a number of helpful tools in addition to the main reading submission function. Customers may monitor current and voltage levels, check their daily power use, and get real-time notifications regarding planned load shedding. For customers who own numerous properties, the Self Meter Reading App also makes it simple to manage various connections under a single account. In addition to readings, customers may utilize the app interface to seek a due date extension, apply for additional connections, or make bill adjustments.

In addition, the app is accessible in five languages, highlighting the government’s goal of making it usable by Pakistan’s diversified population. However, there are still certain difficulties. Particularly in rural areas, not everyone has internet connection or a smartphone. In certain cases, consumers may suffer because they lack digital literacy, or older phones may not run the app. Additionally, there are technical problems like poor signal strength or unclear images causing image upload difficulties.

The government and energy providers are developing solutions such as offline data saving capabilities, local language app versions, and regional training seminars to overcome these difficulties. In order to minimize human labor in validation and automatically validate supplied meter readings, artificial intelligence methods are also being investigated.
The proposal has been praised by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as a groundbreaking change that promotes equity and fortifies government. Although this app is a significant step forward, he stressed that changes in the electricity sector remain far from finished. He also underlined the government’s commitment to developing solar energy as the most affordable power source and declared that the Rs. 35 monthly PTV tax will no longer be included in electricity bills.

These views were mirrored by Federal Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Leghari, who emphasized how this Self Meter Reading App gives the user back control. He pointed out that the government had to reimburse Rs10 billion in overcharged payments just last year, the majority of which might have been prevented with a system this open. Additionally, he said that customers who do not turn in their readings on time frequently end up with projected costs or lose their advantages from subsidies. For this reason, prompt involvement is not only encouraged but may soon be required in cities.

Integration with solar meter systems, QR code invoicing, and intelligent use advice that assists customers in better controlling their energy consumption are all part of the long-term plan. Plans are already in place to replace analog meters and upgrade infrastructure in rural regions in order to increase coverage, even if the app is now targeted at customers in metropolitan areas with digital meters.

Staff members can still manually read the system for users who do not utilize the Self Meter Reading App. However, an anticipated bill could be generated if a reading isn’t turned in by the due date and staff doesn’t show up, which could result in unforeseen fees. Customers may completely prevent these problems and make sure their invoices accurately represent their consumption by utilizing the app.

Users are recommended to wipe their meter screen for a clear snapshot, double-check the reading digits before submission, and submit their readings three to five days prior to the billing date in order to get the most out of this method. Using the most recent version of the program and having a steady internet connection also assist avoid issues or delays.

With this project, Pakistan’s approach to power billing has undergone a dramatic change. It guarantees that billing is founded on accurate, verifiable data, empowers customers, and lessens dependency on human labor. It’s a governance change that gives the people both real and symbolic authority, not merely a technological upgrade.

Get complete control over your billing experience by downloading the Self Meter Reading App from your power supplier right now, if you haven’t already. It is designed to better serve you and is free and convenient.