Business Desk 
Sep 10, 2025
In a bid to advance Pakistan’s power sector, the Shehbaz Sharif-led government has announced its plan to replace conventional three-phase electricity meters with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) smart meters nationwide.
With this initiative, the federal government aims to curb power theft, improve billing accuracy, and reduce overbilling complaints that have long burdened consumers.
The ministry of power division stated that the project will be rolled out in phases, starting with the replacement of 350,000 meters under an initial business plan.
Notably, the government has set December 2026 as the deadline for the nationwide completion of smart meter installation.
An official directive has already been issued to all distribution companies, including Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), which will handle the installation of 350,000 meters in the first stage.
According to officials, while the transition will cost LESCO billions of rupees, the benefits of smart meters, including real-time monitoring, accurate billing, and reduced theft, will outweigh the expenses in the long run.
Energy experts anticipate that this initiative will have a transformative impact on Pakistan's power sector, fostering enhanced transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
By promoting transparency and accountability, this project can help create a more sustainable and efficient power sector in Pakistan.
