Maps
Magazine

TRADE & ECONOMY

PM Shahbaz Sharif Calls for Fast-Tracking Smart Meters and Action Against Power Overbilling
PM Shahbaz Sharif calls for quicker smart meter installations to ensure transparency and combat overbilling, with strict actions against guilty officers.
ND
by News Desk
2024-12-28
PM Shahbaz Sharif Calls for Fast-Tracking Smart Meters and Action Against Power Overbilling

In a high-level review meeting on the performance of electricity distribution companies, Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif emphasized the urgent need for the installation of smart meters to bring transparency to the billing system and eliminate overbilling. The Prime Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the current pace of installation and vowed to take strict action against any officers involved in overbilling.

Smart Meters and Transparency

During the meeting, which included a detailed briefing on the performance of Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO), and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), PM Sharif directed that the installation of smart meters be completed as soon as possible. He emphasized that overbilling would not be tolerated and that strict disciplinary measures would be taken against those responsible for it.

The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of preventing electricity theft, urging the relevant authorities to take concrete steps to curb this issue, which has long been a drain on the power sector’s resources.

CEO Appointments and Recruitment on Merit

PM Sharif also expressed concern over the delays in appointing the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of various electricity distribution companies, particularly in LESCO, PESCO, and FESCO. He instructed that the appointment process should be carried out transparently and expeditiously, with merit-based recruitment of all staff.

“No lapse in transparency during recruitment will be tolerated,” he emphasized, underlining the need to restore public trust in the power sector.

Performance Review of Distribution Companies

The meeting included a performance review of the three power distribution companies for the financial year 2024-25. The briefing revealed the following key data:

  • LESCO had a 96.82% recovery rate and 13.04% transmission and distribution losses.
  • PESCO reported an 87.98% recovery rate and 33% transmission and distribution losses.
  • FESCO achieved a 97.57% recovery rate with 6.01% transmission and distribution losses.

Regarding the installation of smart meters, the companies are far behind their targets:

  • LESCO is required to install 223,365 three-phase smart meters, but only 49,470 have been installed.
  • PESCO needs to install 152,559 smart meters, with 51,173 already in place.
  • FESCO has a target of 192,311 smart meters, but only 11,276 have been installed to date.

Customer Services and Grievance Redressal

In terms of customer service, the meeting was informed that all three distribution companies offer access to call centers, emails, websites, interactive voice response, and NEPRA mobile/web services for grievance redressal. The helpline 118 is available free of charge across all mobile operators for electricity-related complaints.

  • LESCO has addressed 99.2% of complaints.
  • PESCO has resolved 99.9% of complaints.
  • FESCO has addressed 99.7% of complaints.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s directives aim to reform the electricity distribution sector by enhancing transparency, improving customer services, and ensuring that the power sector operates efficiently. The commitment to complete the installation of smart meters and address overbilling reflects the government's intention to tackle persistent issues in Pakistan’s energy sector, ensuring fair billing and reducing systemic losses.
Tagged:

ShahbazSharif

PowerSector

ElectricityReforms

SmartMeters
Share News: