PM Abolishes PTV Fee From Power Bills
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has announced the removal of the Pakistan Television (PTV) fee from electricity bills, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of electricity consumers. He made these remarks while addressing the launch ceremony of the “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” mobile application on Sunday.
Terming the initiative a significant milestone in citizen empowerment and institutional reform, the Prime Minister said that energy sector reforms remain a top priority for the government. He described the new app as a revolutionary step that will enable consumers to record and submit their electricity meter readingsd themselves, promoting transparency and efficiency.
Highlighting key challenges, the Prime Minister said that electricity theft, which amounts to Rs 500 billion annually, is a major issue being addressed through strict and effective measures. He also noted the issue of low electricity consumption despite adequate supply, and emphasized the importance of providing relief to both domestic and industrial users.
Referring to recent economic developments, the Prime Minister said the government has reduced electricity prices to pass on the benefits of declining global oil prices to the public. He added that while there were concerns of a 50 to 70 paisa per unit increase due to rebasing, the government devised a solution to avoid burdening the public with additional costs.
The Prime Minister further announced that the app will be made available in five languages, aiming to ensure nationwide accessibility and to strengthen inter-provincial harmony. He directed the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Energy to jointly carry out an extensive public awareness campaign to introduce the app in every household, maximizing its utility.
Speaking at the occasion, Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Owais Leghari said the app empowers consumers by allowing them to submit their own meter readings, eliminating dependency on third-party meter readers. He revealed that Rs 110 billion has already been refunded to consumers in the form of overbilling corrections, and added that this step shifts control directly into the hands of the users.
The Prime Minister lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Energy and its teams for their continued hard work and dedication in executing reforms and leveraging digital innovation for the public good.
