Government Replaces Old Electricity Meters with Smart AMI Technology Across Pakistan

Pakistan’s federal government has made a big decision. Traditional three-phase electricity meters will be phased out and replaced with advanced smart meters across the entire country. This major change aims to stop electricity theft and fix billing problems.

What Are AMI Smart Meters?

AMI Meters, or Advanced Metering Infrastructure, are innovative devices that have revolutionized the energy sector in Pakistan. These smart devices work differently from old meters. AMI Smart Meters are digital devices that record and transmit your electricity usage directly to LESCO without the need for manual meter readings.

The new meters use special technology. They are manufactured with an installed SIM card that eliminates the need for manual readings. WAPDA officers can remotely check the meter reading, consumption from their offices.

First Phase: 350,000 Meters Through LESCO

The Energy Ministry has started this project in phases. The first step involves installing 350,000 smart meters. Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) will handle this massive task.

The entire Lahore region, which consists of 6.7 million electricity consumers, is to be shifted to advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) by 2029. However, the government wants to complete the initial phase by December 2026.

Why Smart Meters Matter

The government has clear goals for this project:

• Stop Electricity Theft: Smart meters make it hard for people to steal electricity
• Fix Billing Errors: No more wrong bills or overcharging
• Real-time Monitoring: Companies can track electricity use instantly
• Transparent System: Everyone can see exact usage data

With AMI meters, consumers can easily check their meter readings through their mobile phones or computers. This helps people understand their electricity use better.

Timeline and Implementation

The project follows a clear schedule:

• 2024-2025: Start installing first 350,000 meters
• December 2026: Complete first phase
• 2029: Full rollout across Pakistan

LESCO will only be procuring AMI meters during the current fiscal year (2024–25), resulting in higher initial connection costs for consumers.

Benefits for Consumers

Smart meters bring several advantages:

• Accurate Bills: No more estimated readings
• Mobile Access: Check usage from your phone
• Better Planning: Understand your electricity patterns
• Faster Service: Quick problem resolution

Financial Impact

This big project costs a lot of money. LESCO will spend billions of rupees on the installation. The company must buy hundreds of thousands of smart meters and train workers to install them.

The high costs come from:

• Meter Purchase: Buying 350,000 AMI devices
• Installation Work: Paying technical teams
• System Setup: Creating digital infrastructure
• Training Programs: Teaching staff new technology

Future of Electricity in Pakistan

This smart meter project changes how Pakistan handles electricity. After December 2026, smart meters will become mandatory across the country. The old three-phase meters will disappear completely.

Officials believe this technology will solve major problems in Pakistan’s power sector. It will reduce electricity theft and make billing more honest. Consumers will get better service and accurate bills.

The Energy Ministry sees this as a modern solution for an old problem. Pakistan joins other countries using smart meter technology to improve their electricity systems.