Prime minister directs smart meter expansion, anti-theft measures, and performance-based targets for power distribution companies.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday ordered a comprehensive technical audit of the billing systems used by power distribution companies (DISCOs), reaffirming that reforms in Pakistan’s power sector remain a top priority for the government.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on issues related to the Power Division, the prime minister acknowledged improvements in the performance of distribution companies but emphasized that significant work was still needed to enhance efficiency and service delivery across the sector.
He described the nationwide deployment of smart meters as essential for transforming the power sector and ensuring greater transparency in electricity consumption and billing.
The prime minister directed authorities to implement strict accountability measures at all levels of the power sector. He stressed the need for the complete eradication of electricity theft, which continues to impose a heavy financial burden on the national power system.
He also instructed the Power Division to establish clear performance benchmarks for DISCOs and set measurable targets with specific timelines to improve operational effectiveness.
To encourage better performance, Shehbaz Sharif announced that the best-performing distribution company would be officially recognized and rewarded.
He said such incentives would promote healthy competition among utilities and motivate them to achieve higher standards of efficiency and customer service.
Addressing the issue of load-shedding in rural areas, the prime minister called for the development of village-level solarization projects.
He noted that decentralized solar energy solutions could help reduce pressure on the national grid and provide reliable electricity to remote communities.
During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that technical and commercial losses among DISCOs were gradually declining. Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), and Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) recorded the lowest transmission and distribution losses during the last fiscal year.
Officials further reported that IESCO, LESCO, GEPCO, Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), and Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) achieved 100 percent recovery rates in fiscal year 2025-26.
The meeting was also informed that DISCO Support Units have been established in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Lahore, Multan, and Hazara to combat electricity theft, improve bill recoveries, and resolve technical challenges.
Meanwhile, the first phase of the Asset Performance Management System (APMS) at the transformer level is expected to be completed by September 30.
Authorities are also considering a plan to install 16.2 million Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters across several regions to further modernize the power distribution network.