The Electricity Rules 2025 have brought major changes to Pakistan’s power sector. One of the most important updates is the new policy for installing multiple electricity meters at home. This policy aims to improve transparency, energy management, and billing fairness for households, apartment buildings, and commercial properties.
Under the new rules, homeowners can now install more than one meter for separate portions, tenants, or power sources (like solar panels). The goal is to modernize electricity consumption tracking and reduce billing disputes.
Why Were These Rules Introduced?
These rules were introduced to ensure fair electricity usage, prevent illegal meter installations, promote energy conservation, improve billing transparency, and make it easier for households to install multiple legal meters safely.
Background of the Current Electricity System
Single Meter System
Traditionally, each home or building in Pakistan has only one electricity meter, no matter how many portions, tenants, or businesses operate inside.
This causes confusion and unfair billing because everyone shares the same bill — even if one portion uses more electricity than others.
Growing Need for Change
With rising electricity consumption, increased urbanization, and more tenants living in shared houses, a single-meter system no longer fits the current lifestyle.
At the same time, solar systems and net metering have become popular, requiring more advanced and separate meter connections for accurate reading.
Purpose of the “Multiple Meters” Policy
The new Electricity Rules 2025 were introduced to make the power distribution system more transparent and consumer-friendly.
Here are the main goals of this policy:
- Fair billing: Each tenant or portion pays only for their actual usage.
- Energy management: Users can track consumption and reduce wastage.
- Solar integration: Each solar or renewable source gets its own net meter.
- Reduced disputes: No more confusion about shared bills.
- Encouragement of smart metering: Promote digital meters with online reading.
- Prevent electricity theft: Every portion is monitored individually.
This approach not only benefits consumers but also helps electricity companies manage loads more efficiently.
Key Rules and Changes in Electricity Rules 2025
Permission for Multiple Meters
Under the new policy, any household or building owner can apply for multiple meters if there are separate living portions, tenants, or commercial units.
- Each meter must be approved by the relevant power distribution company (DISCO).
- The wiring must meet safety and technical standards.
- Each portion must have an independent circuit.
Meter Installation and Certification
- Only certified technicians can install the new meters.
- All meters must be company-approved and sealed to prevent tampering.
- Regular inspection and verification will be done by the power department.
Billing and Payment
- Each meter will receive a separate bill.
- If there are shared facilities (like stairs or elevators), those will be billed under a common meter.
- Tenants will now pay for their actual electricity use instead of shared bills.
Digital and Smart Metering
The government will promote smart meters that automatically send readings to the system.
Benefits include:
- Real-time usage tracking
- Online bill viewing
- Mobile app notifications
- Reduced chances of meter reading errors
Penalties for Violations
If anyone installs illegal meters, tampers with them, or shares connections without approval, they may face:
- Heavy fines
- Meter disconnection
- Legal action from the power authority
Transition Process
Homeowners who currently have one meter can apply for additional meters through their local DISCO (LESCO, KE, MEPCO, PESCO, etc.).
After inspection, the new meters will be installed with separate account numbers.
Benefits of Installing Multiple Meters at Home
Transparent and Fair Billing
Every tenant or family unit will now get a separate bill according to their actual usage. No one has to pay for someone else’s consumption.
Better Budgeting
By tracking electricity separately, families can easily control their energy usage and reduce extra expenses.
Easier Solar Integration
If your home has solar panels, you can install a separate net meter for solar generation. This helps in accurately tracking the energy you produce and send back to the grid.
Dispute Reduction
No more conflicts between landlords and tenants over unfair electricity bills. The billing system becomes fully transparent.
Efficient Load Management
Electricity companies can better understand which areas or units are using the most power, helping them plan load management and maintenance.
Energy Conservation
When each user is billed individually, people become more responsible about saving energy and avoiding wastage.
Application Process and Eligibility Criteria
Here’s how you can apply to install multiple meters under the Electricity Rules 2025:
Contact Your Local Power Company
Approach your regional electricity provider (such as LESCO, MEPCO, PESCO, KE, or SEPCO). Ask for the Multiple Meter Installation Form.
Submit Required Documents
You’ll need:
- Copy of CNIC
- Proof of property ownership or rental agreement
- Building layout or portion plan
- Electricity load requirements
Technical Inspection
The company will send a team to inspect your wiring and ensure it’s safe for multiple connections.
Fee Payment
Pay the meter installation and service charges. Each meter will have a unique reference number.
Meter Installation
Authorized engineers will install the meters and test the setup.
After approval, you’ll receive separate bills for each meter.
FAQs
Q1: Can I install more than one meter in my home?
Yes, under the new Electricity Rules 2025, homeowners can apply for multiple meters if they have separate units or tenants.
Q2: Who will install the new meters?
Only the authorized technicians from your regional electricity company can install approved meters.
Q3: Will I get separate bills for each meter?
Yes, every meter will receive its own bill based on its recorded consumption.
Q4: How long does the approval process take?
It usually takes 15–30 working days after inspection and payment, depending on your region.
Q5: Can solar systems have separate meters?
Yes, solar users can install net meters separately to measure the electricity they produce and send back to the grid.
Q6: What happens if someone tampers with a meter?
Tampering or illegal connections will lead to fines, disconnection, and possible legal action.
Q7: Where can I apply?
You can visit the official website or nearest office of your local DISCO (e.g., LESCO, MEPCO, KE, HESCO, PESCO) to apply for multiple meter installation.
