Govt plans $2.3 billion smart meter project, businesses warn of Rs1.4 trillion consumer burden

A proposed $2.3 billion plan to install 16.2 million smart meters across five distribution companies is under review, with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) warning that consumers could pay about Rs1.4 trillion over 12 years. Profit by Pakistan Today reported that the Private Power and Infrastructure Board has started consultations on the public-private partnership proposal.

FPCCI estimates the meters would cost Rs648 billion at an assumed Rs40,000 each, with financing at 15% potentially lifting annual payments to Rs119.5 billion, or around Rs615 per meter monthly. The federation says payments should be tied to independently verified reductions in losses and better bill recovery, and has called for the framework to be suspended pending a cost-benefit review and NEPRA proceedings.

The plan covers LESCO, MEPCO, PESCO, QESCO and HAZECO, but technology and procurement arrangements remain unsettled. A pilot is expected next month, while consultations are also planned in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.