How ‘Apna Meter, Apni Reading’ app can protect you from being overcharged?

ISLAMABAD: To improve billing accuracy and reduce consumer complaints, the Ministry of Power Division has launched the Power Smart app as part of its “Apna Meter, Apna Reading” initiative. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially launched the app on Sunday.

The Power Smart app empowers consumers by allowing them to take a picture of their electricity meter on a specific date and upload it through the app. Monthly bills will then be generated based on the picture, eliminating issues like incorrect meter readings, overbilling and delays.

“This technology allows consumers to be active participants in monitoring their billing and ensuring accuracy,” said a spokesperson for the Power Division.

One of the key benefits of the app is to preserve electricity subsidy for low-consumption households. Officials explained that consumers consuming up to 200 units typically receive a subsidized bill of around Rs 2,330. However, a minor increase can cancel the subsidy, pushing the bill beyond Rs 8,000. The app ensures that such consumers can protect their subsidy by submitting readings on time.

Importantly, if a reading is submitted through the app on the due date, any subsequent reading — whether higher or lower — will not override the data submitted by the consumer.

The move aims to increase transparency and accountability in the billing system by giving consumers direct control. It is expected to reduce overbilling, eliminate unnecessary interference and build trust between consumers and electricity providers.