Pakistan Rolls Out Simplified Electricity Bill Format Nationwide

Pakistan's Ministry of Energy has launched a comprehensive redesign of electricity bills across all distribution companies (Discos), addressing decades of consumer complaints about complex and difficult-to-understand billing formats. The new bill format features a simplified, uncluttered design that prominently displays critical information such as total payable amount, due date, units consumed, and billing period. The reform responds to widespread grievances from consumers, businesses, and lawmakers who have repeatedly questioned why ordinary citizens require technical expertise to understand their monthly electricity charges.

The redesigned bills incorporate several key improvements aimed at enhancing transparency and consumer experience. Information is better organised to allow consumers to grasp their bill at a glance, with reduced visual complexity ensuring accessibility across all backgrounds. A significant addition is the integration of QR code technology, which enables consumers to access supplementary information and digital services directly through mobile devices, supporting the government's broader digitalisation efforts and reducing the need for visits to customer service centres.

The rollout has already begun across major distribution companies. Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (Gepco), and Multan Electric Power Company (Mepco) have started printing bills in the new format, while Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) is expected to commence from the following Monday. The remaining distribution companies are completing procurement and implementation processes and will transition to the new format in the coming weeks. Officials expect full implementation across all Discos, establishing a standardised and consumer-friendly billing system nationwide.

The Ministry of Energy described the initiative as a key milestone in its consumer-centric reform agenda aimed at improving transparency, service delivery, and public trust in the power sector. The redesign was directly shaped by extensive feedback from consumers and stakeholders, who highlighted deficiencies in the previous billing format characterised by overcrowded layouts, excessive technical details, repetitive content, and buried critical information. Power sector officials believe the initiative will enable consumers to verify charges more effectively, identify discrepancies quickly, and make more informed decisions regarding electricity usage—particularly important amid growing concerns about rising energy costs and bill composition.