# Govt unveils hi-tech system to manage loadshedding

> Pakistan launches smart grid to stop power theft and target loadshedding.
- Title: Govt unveils hi-tech system to manage loadshedding · Dawn
- Summary: Pakistan launches smart grid to stop power theft and target loadshedding. Pakistan's government introduces an Asset Performance Management System to identify…
- Keywords: asset performance management system, power theft, loadshedding, pakistan, energy ministry, awais leghari, power planning and monitoring company, smart meters, lesco, prime minister shehbaz sharif, dawn, power division
- Source: Dawn — https://dawn.com/news/2038438/govt-unveils-hi-tech-system-to-manage-loadshedding
- Author: Khalid Hasnain
- Published: 2026-10-20T01:57:16+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: asset performance management system, power theft, loadshedding, pakistan, energy ministry, awais leghari, power planning and monitoring company, smart meters, lesco, prime minister shehbaz sharif, dawn, power division
## Government launches new power management system
The government will introduce the Asset Performance Management System (APMS) to control power theft and load management across Pakistan in phases.
## APMS targets high-theft areas
The system will identify specific transformers in high-theft areas to enable targeted disconnections without penalizing paying consumers.
## Loadshedding rules remain strict
Feeders with 30 percent or higher losses will continue loadshedding with no leniency for electricity thieves or chronic defaulters.
## APMS pilot project starts in Lahore and Kasur
The APMS pilot project will launch in Lahore and Kasur soon, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif set to inaugurate it.
## APMS works with smart meters
The system will sync with smart meters to monitor real-time electricity consumption and detect theft more accurately.
## APMS narrows theft detection area
The area covered by the system will shrink from 2,000 to 3,000 consumers per feeder to 150 to 200 consumers per transformer.
## APMS identifies theft through data
The system will record units received from the power distribution system and actual units used by consumers to detect theft.
## APMS reports theft automatically
The system will automatically report theft, line losses, and tampering attempts to officials for quick response.
## APMS replaces conventional meters
After installation, conventional electricity meters will be replaced by smart meters for real-time monitoring.
## APMS reduces line losses
The system will help Discos reduce line losses and improve energy accounting through data-driven decisions.
## APMS improves load management
The system will support equitable load management by identifying high-loss consumers and their locations.
## APMS targets specific transformers
The system will be installed on transformers of various capacities currently placed on poles to monitor consumption.
## APMS pilot project details
The APMS pilot project is being implemented by the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) with support from the Power Planning and Monitoring Company.
## APMS reduces impact on consumers
The system will protect law-abiding consumers from being penalized for the actions of electricity thieves.
## Key takeaway

Pakistan's government introduces an Asset Performance Management System to identify power thieves and reduce loadshedding by targeting high-theft areas.