Govt to Install Smart Meters Across Country to Curb Electricity Theft

For context, the administration is planning a nationwide rollout of smart meters on transformers throughout all power distribution firms (DISCOs), seeking multibillion dollar financing from international development lenders to strengthen electricity monitoring, reduce power theft, and improve billing accuracy.

Key points

• The proposed initiative was discussed at a session chaired by Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division Ahad Cheema on November 10, 2026.
• Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, the prime minister's adviser on privatization, and senior authorities from the relevant ministries additionally attended the session.
• According to an official announcement, participants were informed that progress had been created in arranging financing for the proposed smart metering system.
• The proposed system is projected to assist reduce electricity theft, improve billing accuracy, prevent overbilling, and protect the interests of consumers, investors, and the administration.
• The session additionally discussed arrangements to ensure the project continues after the privatization of DISCOs.

Notably, the proposed initiative was discussed at a session chaired by Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Division Ahad Cheema on November 10, 2026. The session reviewed ongoing development programs for DISCOs, with particular focus on efforts by the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) to arrange financing for the installation of smart meters nationwide's electricity distribution network. Pakistan's Chashma-5 Nuclear Power Plant Reaches Major Construction Milestone. Administration Seeks World Bank, ADB Financing.

According to an official announcement, participants were informed that progress had been created in arranging financing for the proposed smart metering system. The administration aims to negotiate with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) to secure funding for its installation throughout the distribution network.

For context, the proposed system is projected to assist reduce electricity theft, improve billing accuracy, prevent overbilling, and protect the interests of consumers, investors, and the administration. Smart Meter Project To Continue After Privatization.

For context, the session additionally discussed arrangements to ensure the project continues after the privatization of DISCOs. Cheema remarked the administration would establish mechanisms requiring private investors taking over distribution firms to continue the initiative.

He remarked negotiations with multilateral development partners on financing and development programs would continue until the privatization process is completed. If a DISCO is privatized while negotiations or project preparations are underway, the relevant financing and development programs will be transferred to the private investor as part of the handover, subject to agreed arrangements. Private Projects Must Follow Competitive Bidding.

Cheema additionally stressed that any new project undertaken by a private investor within a DISCO must go through competitive bidding and secure approval from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), where required.

He remarked privatization should not result in shifting costs or placing an undue financial burden on consumers. The administration would backing the process while protecting consumer interests and ensuring that investors meet their financial and contractual obligations.

Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, the prime minister's adviser on privatization, and senior authorities from the relevant ministries additionally attended the session. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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For now, govt to Install Smart Meters Across Country to Curb Electricity Theft remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.