Pakistan Power Division Bans Multiple Electricity Meters per Household from 2025

In Pakistan, the Ministry of Energy’s Power Division has implemented strict new guidelines banning the installation of more than one single-phase electricity meter per household to prevent abuse of government subsidies intended for low-consumption users. This crackdown targets households using multiple meters to divide their electricity usage and fraudulently benefit from subsidized rates, with inspections and disconnections planned for violators, starting in cities like Faisalabad. Meanwhile, in the UK, Labour Party plans propose requiring households to install two smart meters—one for energy and another for water—as part of a 'family bathtime tax' aimed at charging higher rates to heavy water users through progressive tariffs. However, these plans have raised concerns due to the ongoing problems with the current smart meter rollout, which has led to inaccurate bills, increased costs, and privacy issues. Experts warn that introducing smart water meters could complicate billing, risk consumer privacy by enabling surveillance of household activities, and increase vulnerabilities to cyberattacks capable of disrupting water supplies. These developments reflect broader challenges in balancing technology-driven resource management with consumer protection and equitable subsidy distribution in both countries.