MARDAN: New AMR SIM-based electricity meters will help improve meter-reading accuracy, make billing more transparent and strengthen efforts against electricity theft, SDO Mardan City-II Ashfaq Ahmed said.
Speaking to media representatives, Ashfaq Ahmed said the new system would ensure that consumers are billed according to their actual electricity consumption. He said the technology is expected to reduce complaints related to incorrect, excessive or lower-than-actual meter readings.
SIM-Based System to Reduce Human Error
According to the SDO, the new meters will connect to WAPDA’s main system through internet and SIM technology, with the cost of installation being borne by WAPDA.
He said the automated system would reduce the possibility of human error during meter reading and provide consumers with a more accurate record of their electricity usage.
Action Against Electricity Theft
Ashfaq Ahmed said action against electricity theft and illegal connections, including the Kunda Mafia, would be intensified.
He said more than 100 letters had already been sent to Thana Hoti and Thana City for registration of FIRs against individuals allegedly involved in electricity theft, in accordance with the law.
He added that the APMS system was being installed on transformers to help control illegal electricity connections and power theft. Initial installation has been completed on all transformers of Feeder Bagh-e-Aram in Mardan.
The system will also facilitate transformer-wise load management and load shedding while helping authorities identify and prevent illegal connections.
Staff Shortage Affecting Meter Reading
The SDO also highlighted a shortage of staff in the department, saying 59 employees from Scale-5 to Scale-15 were urgently required for different positions.
He said the department currently needed at least 15 meter readers, but only six employees were performing meter-reading duties, which he described as insufficient given the number of consumers and the population being served.
Ashfaq Ahmed urged the relevant authorities to fill the vacant positions at the earliest, saying additional staff would improve meter reading, billing, complaint resolution and other public services.