Govt Launches ‘Apna Meter Apni Reading’ to Curb Overbilling
The government has announced the launch of the “Apna Meter Apni Reading” scheme to solve the problem of overbilling of electricity. A meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Energy (Power) was held, in which member Rana Muhammad Hayat raised the question of whether there will be a further reduction in electricity tariffs in the next financial year.
To which the Chairman of NEPRA replied that the electricity rate is likely to remain the same for the time being. Rana Muhammad Hayat said that 30 percent relief has been given to the industrial sector, while no relief has been given to the agricultural sector.
To which the Secretary Power Division said that the relief to the industrial sector was obtained due to the abolition of cross-subsidies. A comprehensive plan is being made for the power sector. During the meeting, Raja Qamar-ul-Islam said that the meeting is of the Power Committee
But I have received the minutes of the Petroleum Division. Junaid Akbar said that I had offered 4 months ago that I would go myself to remove the Kunda.
We cooperate, but they are not reducing line losses while the consumer does not get electricity for eight to eight hours.
They do not do this work, and we are abused. CEO PESCO said in the committee that their cooperation has brought a lot of improvement in their area, and there will be more improvement from next month.
Federal Minister Owais Leghari said that relief will be given on a monthly basis. The duty of the relevant SDO should be imposed and relief should be provided on a monthly basis. Relief is being given to the real beneficiaries of the subsidy.
Owais Leghari said on this occasion that 56 percent electricity has been reduced for those using up to 100 units. 48 percent electricity has been reduced for consumers using 101 to 200.
He said that the Prime Minister will soon announce a scheme to solve the problem of overbilling.
Consumers are being given the option of their own billing and in this regard, they are going to announce a scheme called “Apna Meter Apni Reading”. Consumers will be able to read their meters from their mobile phones and send them to the app.
The Federal Minister for Energy said that the subsidy is being linked to Benazir Income Support Program consumers. The government has no intention of changing electricity slabs.
The data of Benazir Income Support Program also needs to be corrected. The public has benefited from Rs 3400 billion by terminating IPP contracts. The journey of making electricity cheaper has begun.
