The federal government has decided to introduce a transformer-level system to address electricity theft and improve power load management across the country. The proposed system will allow authorities to control electricity supply at individual transformers. This approach aims to reduce the need for shutting down entire feeders when theft occurs.
Federal Energy Minister Awais Leghari shared details about the plan while speaking to the media at Parliament House. He said the government intends to install an on-off system on 190,000 transformers nationwide.
Under the proposed arrangement, power distribution companies will be able to switch off specific transformers affected by electricity theft. This will help authorities target areas facing theft without disrupting the entire feeder’s electricity supply.
Currently, shutting down a feeder can affect multiple areas and consumers. The transformer-level system is expected to provide a more targeted approach to power management. However, the effectiveness of the system will depend on its implementation and operational framework.
Regulatory Framework Expected Next Year
Minister Awais Leghari said the government plans to provide the regulatory framework for the new system by April or May next year. This framework will establish the guidelines for implementing and operating the transformer-level controls.
The minister described the initiative as an approach already used in different parts of the world. The government aims to apply a similar model to address electricity theft more precisely.
The planned system could allow distribution companies to isolate affected transformers instead of disconnecting electricity across an entire feeder. This may help reduce unnecessary disruption for consumers who are not involved in theft-related issues.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to improve electricity distribution and load management. Electricity theft remains a challenge for power distribution companies. The proposed technology is intended to support more focused monitoring and supply control.
Minister Discusses Net Metering Changes
During his media interaction, Leghari also discussed changes to the country’s net metering system. He said these changes had encouraged consumers to install batteries.
According to the minister, the changes helped prevent the burden associated with around 300,000 to 400,000 consumers from shifting to the remaining 35 million consumers.
He presented the changes as a measure to manage the impact on other electricity consumers. The minister’s comments covered both electricity theft control and adjustments to the power sector’s existing systems.
The government has not yet provided further implementation details about the transformer-level system. Its proposed coverage includes 190,000 transformers across Pakistan. The regulatory framework is expected by April or May next year, according to the minister.
In other related news also read Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
The initiative highlights the government’s plan to use targeted electricity controls. It also reflects ongoing efforts to address electricity theft while managing power distribution more efficiently.
