Govt seeks funding for DISCO transformer smart meters ahead of privatisation

The government is arranging funding for smart meters on transformers used by power distribution companies, with the work expected to continue after their privatisation. Profit by Pakistan Today reported that Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema reviewed the financing and development programmes at a meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday.

Officials said funding arrangements were advancing through the Economic Affairs Division. The meters are intended to improve billing accuracy, limit electricity theft and reduce consumer overbilling by improving oversight of distribution. Cheema said negotiated or planned programmes would pass to new private owners on agreed terms, while negotiations with development partners would continue until privatisation is complete.

Private investors would have to use competitive bidding for new projects and obtain National Electric Power Regulatory Authority approval where required. The government also said privatisation should not add to consumers’ financial burden, and that incoming owners would be expected to honour financial and contractual commitments.