Smart Meter Prices Cut by 40% as Power Sector Saves Rs. 150 Billion: Energy Minister

Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari said that the prices of electricity smart meters have declined by 40 percent, resulting in significant savings for the power sector and electricity consumers. Speaking about the development, the minister said the reduction in prices will lead to nationwide savings of around Rs. 150 billion annually. He attributed the decline to timely policy decisions, improved transparency, and the adoption of an effective and competitive procurement process by power distribution companies. The minister said the price of three-phase smart meters has dropped from Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 25,000, while the cost of single-phase meters has fallen by Rs. 7,000. He added that reforms and improved planning have also led to positive changes in the Pakistan Engineering Council regulations, helping attract wider participation from international companies. According to Sardar Awais Leghari, international firms actively participated in the competitive bidding process after regulatory and procedural barriers were removed. Continuous monitoring and the introduction of clear and transparent standards for smart meters further helped bring down prices. He said the estimated annual saving of Rs. 150 billion will primarily be utilized by power distribution companies for the replacement of faulty and outdated meters, improving overall service delivery. The energy minister said electricity consumers will also benefit directly, as lower meter prices will reduce demand notice charges for new connections, saving consumers billions of rupees. He added that smart meters will help eliminate incorrect meter readings and enable faster detection of electricity theft. Highlighting additional benefits, the minister said smart meters will offer prepaid options, real-time monitoring of electricity consumption, quicker restoration of supply without the need for a lineman, and improved access to usage data for consumers. He said these measures are part of the government’s broader efforts to modernize the power sector, improve efficiency, and reduce financial pressure on both utilities and consumers.