Smart meters can help Govt save Rs 4 trillion per annum: Mian Shahid

Lahore: Chairman of the United International Group Mian Shahid said smart meters can help government to save Rs 4 trillion in line losses, wastage in theft of energy. Smart meter are used in dozens of countries to discourage overbilling, theft of electricity, gas and water, therefore the same could be applied in Pakistan. These meters can help utilities stand on their feet to reduce loadshedding, cut operational costs and ensure profit to clip circular debt which will revive economy of the country providing jobs to millions and increasing government’s revenue, he said.

Mian Shahid said that smart meters settle the issue of estimated bills reducing electricity and gas bills and more efficient operations by distribution companies.These meters will eliminate the need of meter readers while the energy companies will have a more accurate picture of the situation. Around Rs360 billion are wasted annually in power sector while gas worth Rs 40 billion and water worth billion is wasted which can be contained.

Smart meters have helped cut water losses by half from 700 million litres per day to 350 million litres in Mumbai and same can be done in Karachi where industrialists pay billion to taker operators.