The federal government has decided to gradually replace conventional three-phase electricity meters across the country with AMI smart meters in a bid to curb power theft and prevent overbilling.
According to the Ministry of Power Division, the phased plan will begin with the replacement of 350,000 meters under an initial business plan. A deadline of December 2026 has been set for the complete switch to smart meters nationwide.
A formal directive has been issued to all distribution companies, including Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO). In the first phase, LESCO alone will replace 350,000 meters, with installation carried out under the meter replacement order.
Officials said that the smart meters will help ensure greater accuracy in billing and monitoring, while also reducing electricity theft. However, they acknowledged that LESCO will have to bear billions of rupees in costs for the large-scale installation.