ISLAMABAD – The trend of multiple electricity connections in one premises is growing, and it now prompted crackdown plan for electricity companies, with action reportedly starting from Faisalabad, the country’s third populated metropolis.
The move aimed at cutting electricity subsidy abuse, authorities are preparing a widespread crackdown to end practice of installing multiple electricity meters in a single household to exploit lower tariff slabs meant for “protected consumers.”
Sources within power division confirmed that consumers who have been using two, three or four meters in one house, strategically distributing electricity usage to keep each meter’s monthly consumption below 200 units — will soon face new regulations.
Under current rules, those consuming under 200 units are considered protected consumers and are eligible for subsidized electricity rates. However, this rule is now being misused by thousands with multiple meters to bypass higher billing slabs. The new policy is expected to disqualify such users from receiving subsidized rates if their collective usage exceeds the protected limit, regardless of how many meters they use.
Two Electricity Meters Update
Officials stated six-month cumulative consumption review will be implemented, and latest monitoring system will also be engaged for accurate meter readings.
Electricity consumers have already started to feel pinch as people use ACs and other heavy appliances on secondary meters to trick system.
The move is expected to discourage meter-splitting practices, which have been commonly seen in both urban and rural areas. Officials have also hinted at on-ground inspections and increased digital tracking to detect meter clusters operating from a single household.
Power sector experts say this reform is necessary to ensure that subsidies reach only the truly deserving, and not those manipulating the system. However, some argue that the policy must be implemented carefully to avoid penalizing genuine low-usage households or extended families living under one roof.
Electricity Rates Relief: How much will you save on your next Bill?
