Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) has introduced a new digital service allowing consumers to submit their own electricity meter readings through the Apna Meter Apni Reading mobile application. Originally launched by the federal government as a tool to modernize electricity billing, the app is now fully integrated into IESCO’s customer service infrastructure, offering consumers a more transparent and efficient method to report their monthly electricity usage.
With this initiative, users can simply take a photograph of their meter reading on a designated date each month and upload it directly to IESCO through the app. The system is intended to minimize human error and delays commonly associated with manual meter readings, particularly in remote or high-density areas where field visits are often logistically challenging. This change also gives consumers greater control over the billing process by making them active participants in recording their own energy usage.
According to IESCO Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Naeem Jan, the mobile-based solution is a step toward improved accuracy in electricity billing and a more streamlined experience for customers. He emphasized that the ability to self-report meter data empowers consumers and builds trust between service providers and the public. The initiative, he added, is supported by a comprehensive rollout plan that includes the deployment of necessary tools and protocols at all IESCO offices.
To ensure smooth adoption, a public awareness campaign is currently underway. The campaign is designed to educate consumers about the app’s features, guide them through the submission process, and explain how the data will be used to generate bills. IESCO is also working with customer service teams to assist users who may be unfamiliar with digital platforms or face technical challenges while using the app.
Jan noted that the introduction of this feature is expected to significantly reduce the number of billing-related complaints, a common issue among electricity consumers across Pakistan. By shifting toward a model that integrates consumer-submitted data, the utility hopes to increase accountability and reduce reliance on meter readers whose availability, performance, or oversight may vary across service zones.
The federal Ministry of Energy and other relevant authorities have expressed ongoing support for the digitization of public utilities. The adoption of technology in billing processes reflects a broader national effort to improve governance, transparency, and service quality in the energy sector. This aligns with existing reforms aimed at integrating consumer-facing digital tools to enhance operational efficiency and public satisfaction.
As more consumers begin to use the Apna Meter Apni Reading app, IESCO aims to collect feedback and introduce additional updates that further streamline the process. Future improvements may include automated bill generation, instant usage analysis, or integration with payment gateways to offer a complete digital utility experience. For now, the primary focus remains on encouraging widespread adoption and familiarizing users with the self-submission process as part of a larger move toward technology-driven public services.
