Energy Minister Awais Leghari has announced a significant drop in the prices of smart electricity metres across Pakistan, a move projected to deliver annual national savings of up to Rs150 billion. The minister stated that the reduction is the result of timely and effective measures aimed at enhancing transparency and competition within the procurement process for electricity distribution companies. By lowering costs, these measures are expected to benefit both the national power sector and consumers directly, while also supporting the replacement of outdated and faulty metres across the country.
According to Leghari, the introduction of international competitive standards in procurement has played a pivotal role in reducing prices. As a result, the cost of a three-phase smart metre has decreased from Rs45,000 to Rs25,000, while the price of a single-phase metre has been reduced by Rs7,000. Regulatory improvements implemented through Pakistan Engineering Council have helped ensure fair competition, allowing international suppliers to participate fully and removing long-standing barriers that previously limited market access. The minister highlighted that these reforms are part of ongoing efforts to modernize Pakistan’s energy infrastructure and strengthen operational efficiency in the electricity distribution sector.
Leghari emphasized that continuous monitoring and adherence to transparent, competitive benchmarks for smart metres have driven prices down steadily. He noted that the estimated Rs150 billion in savings would be utilized by electricity distribution companies to replace ageing and malfunctioning metres, ensuring more accurate billing and reducing losses from outdated equipment. Lower costs are also expected to alleviate the financial burden on electricity consumers, particularly through savings reflected in demand notices for new connections, making access to electricity more affordable and reliable.
Beyond cost savings, smart metres are expected to introduce a range of operational and consumer benefits. Leghari explained that these devices will reduce errors in electricity readings, enable faster detection of theft, and support prepaid billing systems. Consumers will have access to real-time monitoring of electricity usage, detailed consumption data, and improved service response times, including quicker restoration of power outages. Additionally, smart metres are designed to reduce dependence on line staff, making electricity management more efficient while offering users greater control over their consumption and expenses.
The energy minister underscored that the combination of reduced prices, regulatory reforms, and technological upgrades represents a transformative step for Pakistan’s electricity sector. By implementing smart metres on a large scale, power distribution companies can improve operational transparency, cut costs, and enhance service quality. The initiative also aligns Pakistan with international standards in smart metering, ensuring that the country’s energy infrastructure keeps pace with technological advancements and global best practices.
Leghari’s announcement is being viewed as a significant milestone for both the public and private sectors, as well as for electricity consumers nationwide. By lowering the cost of smart metres, strengthening procurement processes, and introducing modern metering technology, Pakistan is positioned to achieve greater efficiency in energy distribution, reduce financial waste, and provide citizens with improved tools to manage their electricity usage effectively.
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