The government plans to install smart meters on transformers across all power distribution companies (DISCOs) to curb electricity theft and overbilling.
Chairing a meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema said progress had been made in securing financing for the project through the Economic Affairs Division (EAD). The initiative aims to improve billing accuracy and protect consumers from excessive charges.
Cheema said the project would continue after DISCOs are privatised, with private investors expected to take it forward. Ongoing negotiations with multilateral development partners would continue, while relevant financing arrangements would be transferred to new owners under agreed terms.
Cheema stressed that new projects undertaken by private investors must follow competitive bidding procedures and obtain National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) approval where required. He added that privatisation must not impose additional costs on consumers.
Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, the prime minister’s adviser on privatisation and senior government officials also attended the meeting.
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