Power authorities in Pakistan have started strict action against consumers using more than one single-phase electricity meter to continue benefiting from subsidized electricity rates under the protected tariff category.
The protected category is designed for households consuming less than 200 electricity units per month. However, officials say many consumers installed additional electricity meter connections to divide their usage and remain eligible for lower electricity bills.
Power distribution companies, including Lahore Electric Supply Company, have now launched a nationwide operation to identify such consumers.
Electricity Meter Verification Process Begins
Authorities confirmed that a detailed database is being prepared to trace consumers using multiple electricity meter connections for subsidy benefits.
Once identified, these users will immediately lose their protected status and will be shifted to the non-protected tariff category. Officials warned that affected households may face a sharp increase in electricity bills after the change.
According to estimates, consumers exploiting the system could end up paying Rs8,000 to Rs10,000 extra every month once subsidies are removed.
QR Code System Introduced on Bills
Electricity companies have also started printing QR codes on bills issued to subsidized consumers. Officials said the QR code system will help verify household information and identify homes using extra electricity meter connections.
Consumers are being asked to upload and confirm their data through the new verification system. Authorities warned that those who fail to complete the verification process may also lose their subsidy benefits.
The move is aimed at ensuring that only deserving households continue receiving government electricity relief.
Subsidy Details Now Visible on Electricity Bills
To improve transparency, power companies have started displaying the exact subsidy amount on electricity bills. Officials believe this will help consumers understand how much financial support they are receiving from the government.
Authorities said the updated billing system will also make it easier to identify suspicious electricity meter usage patterns and possible misuse of the protected tariff category.
Thousands of Consumers Could Be Affected
After the verification process is completed, authorities plan to permanently remove subsidies from consumers found violating the rules through multiple electricity meter connections.
Officials described the campaign as one of the largest anti-misuse operations in Pakistan’s power sector. The crackdown is expected to impact thousands of households currently benefiting from protected-category electricity tariffs.
Power authorities maintain that the operation is necessary to stop subsidy misuse and ensure fair distribution of government relief among genuine low-consumption consumers
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