The federal government has ordered a technical audit of electricity distribution companies (DISCOs), to identify power theft, improve billing and reduce losses in the electricity sector.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued the directions during a review of the Power Division. He said reforms in the power sector remain a key government priority.
The Prime Minister directed officials to take strict action against electricity theft. He also called for clear performance targets for all DISCOs.
Smart meters planned to improve monitoring
The government is also focusing on smart meters to improve the electricity system. Shehbaz Sharif said their nationwide installation is essential.
A proposal to install 16.2 million single-phase Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters is under consideration. The plan covers Multan, Lahore, Peshawar, Hazara and Quetta regions.
The first phase of an Asset Performance Management System (APMS) at the transformer level is expected to be completed by September 30.
DISCO Support Units have also been established in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Lahore, Multan and Hazara. These units are working to control electricity theft, improve recoveries and address technical problems.
DISCO losses continue to decline
IESCO, LESCO and GEPCO recorded the lowest transmission and distribution losses during the previous fiscal year.
Meanwhile, IESCO, LESCO, GEPCO, FESCO and MEPCO achieved 100 per cent recovery of dues during the 2025-26 fiscal year.
The government is also planning village-level solar projects. These projects are intended to reduce load-shedding in rural areas and ease pressure on the national grid.
