ISLAMABAD – In a major relief for electricity consumers across Pakistan, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday announced the removal of the Pakistan Television (PTV) license fee from electricity bills. The move is part of a broader set of reforms aimed at bringing transparency, affordability, and efficiency to the country’s troubled power sector.
The announcement was made during the official launch ceremony of the “Apna Meter Apni Reading” mobile application, a citizen-centric initiative designed to empower electricity consumers by allowing them to record and submit their own meter readings, thereby reducing the chances of overbilling, fraud, and human error.
The Prime Minister’s remarks signaled a renewed commitment to not only protect the rights of consumers but also to streamline utility billing and crack down on corruption and theft in the energy sector.
PTV Fee Removal: A Longstanding Consumer Demand Addressed
For years, electricity consumers across Pakistan have voiced concerns over the mandatory PTV license fee, which was included as a fixed charge in electricity bills—regardless of whether a household owned a television or watched PTV channels. Currently, the fee stands at Rs 35 per month for domestic users and Rs 60 for commercial connections, collected by distribution companies on behalf of the state-run broadcaster.
This fee, viewed as an unjust burden on already overburdened consumers, had become a symbol of outdated policies and forced taxation. Consumer rights groups and civil society organizations had repeatedly called for its removal or rationalization, especially in light of declining PTV viewership and growing preference for digital and satellite-based media.
“This is a decision made with the public’s best interest in mind. We understand the pressures of inflation and the economic situation our citizens face. Removing the PTV fee is a step towards fairer billing practices,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the launch event.
The decision is expected to provide direct financial relief to millions of households, and is being hailed as a people-friendly reform, especially as inflation, fuel prices, and electricity tariffs continue to weigh heavily on middle- and lower-income segments.
“Apna Meter Apni Reading” App: Empowering Consumers Through Technology
At the core of the Prime Minister’s announcement was the launch of the “Apna Meter Apni Reading” app, a digital initiative by the Ministry of Energy to combat chronic issues of overbilling, faulty meter readings, and lack of transparency in electricity billing.
The app allows consumers to:
- Take and upload pictures of their meter readings
- Submit their own readings before the official billing date
- Track their electricity usage
- File complaints related to billing or meter accuracy
This system is designed to empower consumers while also holding power distribution companies (DISCOs) accountable for accurate billing.
“For far too long, people have suffered due to estimated or manipulated bills. With this app, we are putting the power back into the hands of consumers,” said the Prime Minister.
He added that the Ministry of Energy and its IT teams worked tirelessly to develop and test the app across various pilot regions before launching it nationwide.
Addressing Power Sector Challenges: Reforms and Anti-Corruption Drive
In his speech, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that these steps are part of wider structural reforms in the power sector, which has long been plagued by corruption, mismanagement, and technical and commercial losses.
He noted that strict measures have been taken against corrupt elements operating within distribution companies, meter-reading units, and the transmission network. Multiple crackdowns have reportedly been launched in recent months to identify electricity theft, hold corrupt officials accountable, and recover losses from defaulters.
“Corrupt mafias have embedded themselves within the system. We are not just removing the weeds; we are cleaning the entire garden,” the Prime Minister remarked firmly.
He also stressed the urgent need to fast-track these reforms, acknowledging that the process so far has been slower than desired.
Tackling Overbilling and Inflated Meter Readings
One of the most frequent consumer complaints received by the Ministry of Energy and regional electric supply companies involves inflated or estimated bills, often caused by:
- Inaccurate meter readings
- Deliberate overestimation
- Delayed visits by meter readers
- Tampering or faulty equipment
With the “Apna Meter Apni Reading” app, the government aims to eliminate human error, discourage malpractice, and restore trust between consumers and electricity providers.
Officials believe that digital self-reporting, backed by photographic evidence and timestamp technology, will greatly reduce billing disputes, streamline data, and improve the financial health of distribution companies by reducing resistance to bill payment.
Reduction in Electricity Tariffs: A Complex Negotiation Process
The Prime Minister also spoke about the difficult negotiations held with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to reduce electricity tariffs. These IPPs, which operate under long-term power purchase agreements, have been blamed for inflated capacity payments, which are passed on to consumers in the form of higher tariffs.
“Negotiating with IPPs was one of the most challenging tasks we’ve faced. But through tireless efforts, we have succeeded in reducing the financial burden on the national grid,” Sharif said.
He added that the benefits of reduced global oil prices had been partially transferred to the domestic electricity tariff structure, although exchange rate volatility and circular debt remain persistent challenges.
Electricity Theft: The Biggest Hurdle to Sectoral Stability
Despite the recent reforms, the Prime Minister acknowledged that electricity theft remains the biggest challenge in the energy sector. Losses from electricity theft are estimated to cost Pakistan over Rs 300 billion annually, pushing up costs for honest consumers and deepening the sector’s circular debt.
Areas with high losses and low recovery have become notorious for widespread illegal connections (kundas), meter tampering, and refusal to pay bills. The government has launched special enforcement drives in these areas with the help of law enforcement agencies and is looking to expand smart metering and remote monitoring technologies to detect and prevent theft in real-time.
Future Reforms and Roadmap
The Prime Minister concluded his address with a vision for a modern, transparent, and consumer-friendly electricity system. Key upcoming initiatives include:
- Smart meter installations across urban and rural areas
- Privatization or public-private partnerships (PPPs) for underperforming DISCOs
- Investment in renewable energy sources to diversify the power mix
- AI-based grid management systems for real-time monitoring and forecasting
- Incentives for consumers to adopt solar energy solutions
He reiterated that the government remains committed to ensuring energy affordability, sustainability, and accessibility, and that the public’s support is crucial to making these reforms successful.
Conclusion: A Consumer-Centric Approach to Energy Reform
The removal of the PTV fee from electricity bills and the launch of the “Apna Meter Apni Reading” app mark significant strides toward building a more equitable and efficient energy system in Pakistan. These initiatives reflect the government’s growing emphasis on consumer empowerment, digital transformation, and anti-corruption within state-owned utilities.
While the journey ahead is riddled with challenges—from electricity theft to tariff rationalization and financial sustainability—the steps taken signal a positive policy shift rooted in transparency, technological innovation, and public accountability.
If sustained and supported by robust implementation, these reforms could serve as a turning point in Pakistan’s decades-old power crisis—ushering in a new era of citizen participation, fiscal responsibility, and sectoral resilience.
