The government of Pakistan has decided to install more than 155,700 modern electricity meters in different areas of the country to reduce power losses, improve billing and increase recoveries, WealthPK reports. The Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system will be installed through all power distribution companies (DISCOs) in the country by June. The AMI system will help in addressing the complaints of consumers about over-billing.

The modern meters will help to identify the areas of power outages and power losses. The system will be installed at all high losses feeders and transformers. AMI is a proven technology in utilities worldwide to improve the technical and financial viability of power distribution systems. The present methodology of measuring the electricity consumption by consumers through meters is working satisfactorily. The change from the existing post-paid billing system to pre-paid billing system is a policy matter to be decided by the government.

According to officials, all electricity meters installed in Rawalpindi Cantonment and Rawalpindi City Circle are being switched to AMI in the first phase with an estimated cost of $95 million. Asian Development Bank has provided $170 million as financial assistance for the project. The scheme will help to ensure round-the-clock monitoring of power meters. The government has also directed power distribution firms to install AMI at all industrial, commercial, bulk power supply and agricultural connections, according to WealthPK.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk