Pakistan’s power distribution companies are preparing strict action against consumers using multiple single-phase electricity meters to obtain subsidized power tariffs, officials said.
According to sources, authorities have decided to compile records of households, shops, and properties where more than one single-phase meter has been installed to keep electricity consumption artificially low and remain eligible for the protected consumer category.
Officials stated that the government’s electricity subsidy is intended only for genuinely low-consumption users. However, some consumers allegedly split their electricity usage across several meters to show fewer units on each connection and continue receiving subsidized rates.
To curb the practice, electricity distribution companies, including LESCO, have started printing QR codes on electricity bills. These QR codes will help verify consumer data and identify additional meters linked to the same property.
Sources said consumers found ineligible for subsidies may be shifted to the non-protected tariff category, resulting in a significant increase in monthly electricity bills. Officials estimate that bills could rise by Rs8,000 to Rs10,000 per month after the subsidy is withdrawn.
Power companies have also begun displaying the exact subsidy amount on electricity bills to improve transparency and inform consumers about the relief being provided by the government.
Authorities warned that consumers who fail to upload or verify required information through the QR code system could also lose their subsidy benefits.
Officials say the move is aimed at ensuring transparency in electricity subsidies and making sure financial relief reaches only deserving consumers. Further strict measures against users with multiple meters are also expected in the coming days.
