Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy (Power Division) has set December 2026 as the target to replace conventional electricity meters with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) smart meters. The rollout runs across every distribution company, so Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) consumers in South Punjab are part of it. Here is what the change means for your connection, your bill, and the steps you may need to take.
What an AMI smart meter is
An AMI meter is a digital electricity meter that sends your usage data to the DISCO on its own, at regular intervals, over a wireless link. No meter reader visits your home, and MEPCO sees consumption in near real time. That is the core difference from an old electromechanical or basic digital meter, where a reader records the number by hand once a month.
Because readings arrive remotely, the system can flag unusual patterns quickly, which helps detect electricity theft and meter tampering.
Where the MEPCO rollout stands
The programme is phased, not switched on overnight. A few points are confirmed:
- New connections already receive AMI meters. If you apply for a fresh MEPCO connection, the AMI meter cost appears in your Demand Notice, and conventional meters are no longer issued to new applicants.
- Three-phase commercial and industrial meters, along with high-loss areas, are being converted first.
- The government signed an advisory agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to structure private investment for installing 10 million single-phase smart meters nationwide.
- Procurement costs for single- and three-phase smart meters were cut by about 40% through international competitive bidding.
MEPCO, as one of the DISCOs regulated by NEPRA, follows this national policy on the same timeline.
What changes for MEPCO consumers
The most practical benefit is the end of estimated or “guess” billing. When readings are captured automatically, the gap between your meter and your bill closes, and disputes over a wrong reading become rarer.
For existing consumers, no immediate action is needed. Your current meter is replaced when the rollout reaches your feeder, or sooner if it develops a fault. Under the programme, DISCOs handle this conversion, so you are not asked to pay upfront the way a new applicant does.
If you use solar, an AMI meter can work as a bidirectional meter for net metering, which removes the need for a separate green meter on many connections. The rollout also lays the groundwork for prepaid metering in the future.
Also read: New MEPCO Bill Format 2026
Will your MEPCO bill go up?
The AMI meter does not change your tariff. NEPRA sets the per-unit rates, and they apply the same way to smart and conventional meters. A smart meter only measures more accurately.
One honest caveat: if an old meter was under-recording, an accurate AMI meter may show your true, higher usage. That is correct metering, not a new charge. It is still worth cross-checking your first few smart-meter bills against your own reading of the display.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay for the AMI meter?
For a new connection, the meter cost is listed in your Demand Notice. Existing consumers converted under the rollout are not billed upfront for the swap.
Does an AMI meter charge a higher per-unit rate?
No. The tariff is fixed by NEPRA and is identical for both meter types.
Can I still check my bill by reference number?
Yes. Your 14-digit reference number and the PITC online bill check work exactly as before.
Is the December 2026 date fixed?
It is the government’s stated target. Rollout is happening in stages, so timing varies by area.
Will a smart meter help with a solar system?
Yes. A bidirectional AMI meter supports net metering, often without a separate green meter.
The bottom line
For MEPCO consumers, the AMI rollout points toward fewer estimated bills, faster theft detection, and a clearer link between what you use and what you pay. Watch your Demand Notice on a new connection, and verify your early smart-meter bills against the meter display until you trust the readings.
