Federal Minister for Power, Awais Laghari, revealed on Monday that the ruling coalition government is exploring the possibility of introducing a prepaid meter system for electricity, similar to the prepaid model used for mobile phones.
During a press conference in Multan, Laghari talked about the government’s dedication to eliminating electricity theft across the country. He assured the public that steps are being taken to combat this issue and to offer greater convenience to electricity consumers.
The minister disclosed that talks are ongoing with power distribution companies to guarantee that the Rs45 billion relief package reaches every consumer.
He added that the proposed prepaid meter system, if implemented, would allow consumers to pay for electricity in advance, thereby decreasing the chances of theft and payment defaults.
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The energy minister also mentioned that the government has presented its reform plans and energy vision to China’s National Energy Administration.
Awais Leghari highlighted that a key part of these discussions focused on restructuring debt between $8.5 and $9 billion, a move expected to lower electricity prices and boost demand.
He added that the finance minister and other officials have initiated discussions with Chinese bankers to explore potential investments in Pakistan’s power sector.
He further said that a key part of these reforms is the shift from using imported coal to local coal for electricity generation, a move that could significantly lower the cost of electricity production.
According to the minister, four coal plants, including the government-owned Jamshoro facility, are under consideration for conversion to local coal. This change is expected to bring down electricity costs from about 24 rupees per unit to roughly 8 rupees per unit.
