ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) has stated that consumers applying for new connections will have to pay for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters which are being installed in place of the old meters in the Rawalpindi city and Rawalpindi Cantonment circles free of cost.

During a briefing, AMI Project Director Syed Mohsin Raza Gillani said all old electricity meters were being replaced with AMI meters at no cost to the consumers in Rawalpindi city and Cantonment circles.

However, those who have applied for new connections will be charged for the AMI meters.

“Approximately 600,000 old meters in the project area have already been replaced with new, advanced-technology AMI meters without any charges,” he said.

He explained that Iesco had issued a notification determining the prices for AMI meters required for new electricity connections in Rawalpindi and the implementation had already begun.

According to the notification, the cost of single-phase AMI meter with 20-meter cable is Rs35,000 with 30-meter cable Rs36,500 and with 40-meter cable Rs38,000.

The cost of three-phase AMI meter with 20-meter cable is Rs65,000, with 30-meter cable Rs72,000 and with 40-meter cable Rs79,000.

“The security amount will be determined based on the load. Additionally, consumers in areas where three-phase AMI meters have already been installed will not need to install green meters or make additional payments to avail net metering facilities as three-phase AMI meters have already come with net metering capabilities,” he said.

Mr Gillani emphasised that the installation of AMI meters was a revolutionary step in the power sector which will not only bring innovation but also empower consumers.

“Automated and timely meter readings will ensure 100pc accurate billing and timely delivery of bills. Consumers will be able to monitor their electricity usage and potential bills 24/7. The balance distribution system will protect against system overload and tripping, significantly reducing the rate of transformer and meter burnouts. Electricity theft will be effectively controlled, and timely collection of bills from defaulters will be ensured. Consumers will also be able to automatically register complaints regarding power outages,” he said.

He claimed that the rates for AMI meters mentioned in the notification were for new electricity connections while the replacement of old meters with AMI meters was being done free of charge.

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2025