Prime Minister Orders Removal of PTV Fee from Electricity Bills Nationwide

Government Scraps PTV Fee to Ease Utility Burden

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the abolition of Pakistan Television’s (PTV) Rs35 monthly license fee from electricity bills nationwide—a move seen as a significant relief for over 40 million consumers. The announcement came during the launch of the “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” power-smart app in Islamabad.

Context: Addressing Consumer Grievances

The PTV fee has been collected routinely from both domestic and commercial electricity users, contributing approximately Rs1.5 billion monthly—or nearly Rs16 billion annually—to public revenues. Its removal is part of the administration’s wider aim to reduce financial pressure on consumers during soaring electricity tariffs and broader economic challenges.

Enhancing Transparency with ‘Power Smart’ App

In tandem with this decision, the government unveiled the “Apna Meter, Apni Reading” app. This initiative empowers citizens to submit their own meter readings, aiming to curb overbilling and add transparency to the utility billing process. Officials confirmed that meter reader errors have caused significant billing anomalies—sometimes inflating bills from Rs2,000 to Rs8,000 due to delayed or incorrect entries.

Broader Electricity Sector Reforms

Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that ending the PTV fee aligns with broader energy sector reforms. Highlighting merit-based board appointments at DISCOs, negotiations to reduce power purchase costs, and measures against electricity theft, he said recent efforts have already translated into a Rs4.50/unit reduction and Rs7.50/unit savings in consumer bills.

Consumer Impact and Future Prospects

The removal of the Rs35 monthly fee will provide noticeable savings for households and commercial users alike. Alongside the NEPRA-approved Rs1.50/unit tariff reduction, the twin reforms represent significant financial relief.

Conclusion

By scrapping the PTV license fee and launching a meter-reading app, the government is making strides toward enhanced transparency and cost relief in the energy sector. These initiatives reflect a broader effort to protect consumer interests and modernize utility billing systems across Pakistan—bringing practical relief to millions at a time of economic challenge.