ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) has decided to surrender a significant number of meter readers following the rollout of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system, aiming to ensure optimal utilization of its workforce.
In a directive issued by the Director General (HR) to the Additional Chief Engineer (Operations), Cantt Circle Rawalpindi, the company outlined a phased plan for the withdrawal of meter readers in AMI-enabled sub-divisions. Under the plan, 50% of meter readers will be surrendered immediately, 25% by the end of May 2026, and the remaining 25% by the end of June 2026.
All surrendered staff will report to the HR Directorate at IESCO Headquarters for reassignment across other operational circles to support accurate and efficient meter reading.
IESCO acknowledged the dedication of its meter reading workforce, emphasizing that the transition is driven by technological advancement rather than performance concerns. With AMI systems operational in Rawalpindi’s Cantt and City circles, the role of meter readers is evolving toward a more technology-oriented function.
The move follows recommendations by National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), which, during a recent inspection, advised reducing meter reader deployment in AMI-covered areas to improve cost efficiency.
Surplus staff are expected to be redeployed to understaffed regions including Bhara Kahu (Rural), Nilore, Murree, Patriata, and Jhika Gali, where manual “table-based” readings are currently in practice—contrary to NEPRA’s Customer Service Manual guidelines.
IESCO reiterated that accurate billing remains a top priority, warning that reliance on table reading may lead to overbilling or underbilling—issues closely monitored by the Ministry of Energy (Power Division), PPMC, and NEPRA.
Story by Mushtaq Ghumman
