New Guidelines for Installing Multiple Electricity Meters
New Guidelines for Installing Multiple Electricity Meters
In Pakistan, the practice of installing multiple electricity meters in one house has long been a common way to separate billing for tenants or different floors. However, it has also caused misuse, illegal connections, and unfair billing practices. To fix these issues, WAPDA and regional DISCOs (like LESCO, IESCO, and MEPCO) have introduced a new policy for 2025 that sets clear rules for installing multiple meters. The main goal is to make electricity distribution fair, prevent theft, and ensure transparency.
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Key Points of WAPDA’s 2025 Policy
Multiple Meters Only for Separate Units
Homeowners can now install more than one meter only if there are separate portions, tenants, or shops within the same property. Each meter must have a valid reason and serve an independent unit. Unauthorized or duplicate connections will no longer be tolerated.
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Regular Audit and Inspection
WAPDA will conduct field inspections and audits to verify every property with multiple meters. Teams will check if each meter belongs to a legitimate residential or commercial unit. Illegal or fake meters will be removed immediately, and fines will be issued to property owners.
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Penalties and SOPs for Illegal Connections
Those found guilty of misusing or installing illegal meters can face heavy fines, meter removal, or temporary power disconnection. To ensure uniformity, WAPDA has introduced a standard SOP across all regions. This includes rules for new meter approval, document verification, and the appeal process for disconnection cases.
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Advantages and Challenges of the Policy
| Advantages | Challenges / Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Prevents electricity theft and misuse | Some users may face inspection delays |
| Ensures fair and transparent billing | The process may feel complex for new users |
| Improves grid load management | Possible temporary disconnections |
| Reduces financial losses for DISCOs | Adds administrative cost |
| Encourages legal connections | Need for better awareness |
| Improves power supply reliability | Requires documentation proof |
| Promotes accountability | May slow down new applications |
| Creates uniform rules nationwide | Can inconvenience tenants initially |
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Recent Developments in Power Management
Smart Meters and AMI System
DISCOs are replacing old meters with smart AMI systems that allow automatic readings, real-time monitoring, and theft detection. This digital upgrade helps reduce billing errors and supports the new policy’s transparency goals.
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Net Metering and Connection Updates
The Net Metering Policy 2025 allows solar users to sell extra energy back to the grid at updated rates. Meanwhile, connection fees and demand charges have also been revised for better billing transparency.
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Step-by-Step Implementation Plan
SOP Release: WAPDA will issue standard procedures for all DISCOs.
Consumer Notification: Households with multiple meters will be informed and required to justify their connections.
Inspection Drive: Field teams will verify each meter’s legitimacy.
Penalties & Corrections: Illegal meters will be removed, and fines imposed.
Appeal Process: Users can appeal through an official complaint system.
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Impact on Consumers
For Homeowners:
They must ensure that every meter is properly registered and justified by a separate portion or business unit.
For Tenants:
Tenants living in independent units can apply for legal sub-meters with the owner’s permission.
For Businesses:
Shops and commercial setups inside residential buildings must now follow strict documentation rules.
For DISCOs:
This policy helps increase revenue, improve transparency, and reduce electricity theft across Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I install two meters in one house?
Yes, but only if the property has separate units or tenants with legal documentation.
Q2: What if my extra meter is illegal?
WAPDA can impose fines, disconnect your electricity, and remove illegal meters after inspection.
Q3: How can I confirm my meter’s legality?
Check your installation agreement, bill reference number, or contact your regional DISCO office.
Q4: What are smart meters, and how do they help?
Smart meters record consumption automatically and help detect theft or unusual usage patterns.
Conclusion
The WAPDA New Policy 2025 is a major step toward fair and transparent electricity usage in Pakistan. While it may initially cause inconvenience, it ensures long-term benefits like reduced theft, improved billing accuracy, and better energy management.
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