ISLAMABAD: The government has drawn up a plan to install smart meters on electricity transformers across the country to curb power theft and overbilling, and is seeking billions of dollars in financial assistance from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
According to an official statement, the proposed nationwide smart metering initiative and development programmes for power distribution companies (DISCOs) were reviewed at a meeting chaired by Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema on November 10.
The meeting was informed that progress was underway in arranging financing for the project, with the government planning to hold negotiations with the World Bank and ADB to secure the required funds.
Smart Meters to Improve Billing Accuracy
The proposed smart metering system is expected to improve electricity consumption monitoring, reduce power theft and make the billing process more transparent. It is also expected to help protect consumers against unnecessary or excessive electricity charges.
Project to Continue After DISCO Privatisation
Ahad Cheema made it clear that the initiative would continue even after the privatisation of electricity distribution companies. A mechanism would be developed to ensure that private investors taking over DISCOs remain committed to completing and continuing the project.
He further stated that new projects undertaken by private investors would be subject to competitive bidding and, where required, approval from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).
The government would also ensure that the financial burden of privatisation is not passed on to electricity consumers.
