Pakistan’s federal government is gearing up for a major shake-up in the power sector: a nationwide rollout of prepaid electricity meters that will require users to top up credit before using power. Under this new system, once the meter balance reaches zero, electricity will automatically shut off — replacing monthly bills and late payments with a simple recharge-to-use model.
Under this plan, consumers will use a rechargeable card to pay for electricity in advance. Officials say this shift could eliminate the need for meter readers and make the entire billing process more transparent, efficient, and stress-free for users.
This initiative is part of a broader reform agenda. The Power Division has already begun a large-scale deployment of smart meters across the country as part of its “Year of Customer Service Improvement” for 2025–26. Thanks to competitive procurement through open tenders, the cost of single-phase smart meters has been brought down from around Rs 20,000 to approximately Rs 15,000 — a reduction that could save the country billions each year.
Authorities believe these smart meters will ensure accurate readings, minimize human errors, and ultimately support the transition to a prepaid electricity model.
For consumers, the benefits are clear: better control over consumption, real-time monitoring, and a system that encourages smarter energy use. For power companies, the reform promises improved operational visibility, faster billing processes, and fewer disputes.
In short, Pakistan’s electricity sector is entering a new era — one where digital meters and prepaid credit may completely transform not just how people pay for electricity, but how they manage their energy consumption.