New Guidelines 2026 – Rules for Installing Multiple Electricity Meters in Homes (Pakistan)
Many people in Pakistan live in big houses, joint family homes, or rented apartments. Sometimes, more than one family lives in the same building. So, a common question is: Can you install more than one electricity meter in one house?
In 2026, the government and electricity authorities have made the rules very clear. The short answer is: Yes, you can install more than one meter, but only if your house has real separate living units.
This article explains everything in very simple English, so even a 10‑year‑old can understand it!
What Is the New Policy for Electricity Meters in 2026?
In 2026, electricity authorities clarified the rules about installing multiple electricity meters at one property. Earlier, there was confusion and fake news about a complete ban, but that was not correct.
The updated policy confirms that:
📌 Multiple meters are allowed as long as each meter serves a separate home unit within the same building.
This setup helps families and tenants pay their own bills without arguments or disputes.
Why Did the Government Update These Rules?
The updated rules were introduced to:
✔ Stop people from unfairly splitting electricity bills across many meters
✔ Make billing fair and clear for everyone
✔ Reduce illegal or fake connections
✔ Help joint families and landlords manage electricity use better
In the past, some people installed many meters just to pay lower bills. Now, the rules stop misuse while still supporting real families and tenants.
Can You Install More Than One Meter in Your House?
Yes — But Only If…
You can install 2, 3, or more meters only if your home has true separate units. These are not just rooms — they are independent homes inside one building.
Examples:
✔ A ground floor home and a first floor home that are separate
✔ A house with a basement or upper flat where a different family lives
✔ A house with a small shop or home business inside the same property
Each unit must be able to work as a real independent place to live or work.
Rules: What Makes a “Separate Unit”?
To get another meter, your property must meet these conditions:
✅ Separate Entrance
Each unit must have its own door to come in and go out.
✅ Independent Kitchen
There must be a working kitchen in each unit. This shows it can be lived in independently.
✅ Separate Electrical Wiring
Every unit must have its own electrical wires going to the meter — not shared with the other portion.
If all three are there, you can apply for an extra meter. If one is missing, your meter request may be rejected.
Who Is Allowed to Apply for Another Meter?
✔ Homeowners who have separate units in the same property
✔ Joint families with big houses and independent parts
✔ Tenants living in a separate portion (with landlord permission)
✔ Landlords renting multiple floors or flats in their house
If You Are a Tenant
You must bring:
📍 Your rent agreement
📍 Written permission from the landlord
This proves you have the right to install a meter.
Documents You Need to Apply (Simple Checklist)
Before applying, prepare:
📝 Copy of your CNIC
📝 Proof of ownership (for owners)
📝 Rent agreement (for tenants)
📝 Affidavit stating the units are separate
📝 Proof of separate wiring and kitchen
These documents help the electricity office decide quickly if your application is valid.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Apply
Getting an extra meter is simple if your documents are ready. Steps:
- Visit your local electricity office (DISCO).
- Ask for the “New Connection / Additional Meter” form.
- Fill in your details and attach documents.
- Submit everything at the office.
- A team will visit your home to check if each unit is truly separate.
- If approved, pay the security deposit and connection charges.
- Your new meter will be installed in 2–4 weeks, depending on office workload.
What Happens During the Officer Visit?
Electricity officials will check:
🔎 Separate entrance for each unit
🔎 Independent kitchen in each unit
🔎 Separate electrical wiring
🔎 Correct and complete documents
Only if everything is correct will your new meter be approved.
Why This Policy Is Good for People
Having multiple meters helps:
✔ Families share electricity costs fairly
✔ Landlords and tenants avoid money fights
✔ People manage their own bills
✔ Billing becomes transparent
✔ Electricity misuse is prevented
For example, a family on the ground floor won’t have to pay for electricity used by the upstairs family.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Asking for extra meters for just many family members — this won’t work
❌ Giving fake or wrong documents
❌ Using meters just to pay lower bill categories
❌ Applying without separate wiring or kitchen
If you make these mistakes, authorities may reject your meter application.
Myths vs Facts
🔸 Myth: You cannot have more than one meter in a house.
✔ Fact: You can, if each unit is separate.
🔸 Myth: Tenants can never get their own meter.
✔ Fact: Tenants can, with permission and documents.
🔸 Myth: Extra meters can be used to reduce bills.
✔ Fact: Misusing meters is illegal and can lead to rejection.
Helpful Tips for Faster Approval
✨ Make sure documents are complete
✨ Show real proof of separate kitchen and entrance
✨ Be present during inspection
✨ Apply through official electricity office
✨ Don’t use agents asking for extra money
Following these tips will make your application smooth and fast.
What If You Already Have More Than One Meter?
If your extra meters were installed legally and units are truly separate, your meters remain valid in 2026.
If a meter was installed without following rules, authorities can disconnect it after inspection.
Final Summary (Easy to Remember)
✔ In 2026, multiple electricity meters are allowed in one home — only for real separate units
✔ Each unit must have separate entrance, kitchen, and wiring
✔ Tenants can apply with landlord permission
✔ Fake or misuse applications will be rejected
✔ Always apply through official electricity offices
Following these rules ensures fair billing, avoids conflicts, and keeps the electricity system safe and transparent.
