The Pakistani federal government will replace all three-phase electric meters with smart meters by December 2026 to combat electricity theft and overbilling, according to Ministry of Energy officials.

The initial rollout will see 350,000 Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters installed, beginning with the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) service area. This first stage carries a multi-billion rupee price tag.

This nationwide initiative aims to precisely track power usage and billing, thus significantly curbing electricity theft. The shift to smart meters will be compulsory after the 2026 deadline.

Separately, flood-stricken communities will receive relief on their power bills. Federal Minister for National Food Security, Rana Tanveer Hussain, announced the immediate waiver of taxes on electricity bills for flood victims.

The federal government will manage the electricity bill relief, while provincial governments will waive land revenue taxes. An inquiry into inflated electricity bills in flood-affected regions, particularly those already distributed, is also planned.