The Power Division has introduced a mandatory digital verification system for electricity consumers in Punjab using up to 200 units per month.

Households that fail to complete the process risk losing their subsidised tariff, which could see per-unit rates nearly double from around Rs17-20 to Rs38-40.

The verification is simple and takes only a few minutes from your phone — no office visits required.

Why is this happening?

The government says the move is aimed at ensuring subsidies reach only genuinely eligible households.

Investigations found that multiple meters were being installed on single properties to keep individual readings below the 200-unit threshold, allowing repeated subsidy claims. Under the new system, electricity connections will be linked to the national welfare database, limiting relief to one meter per CNIC.

Step-by-step: how to verify your subsidy

Step 1 — Find the QR code on your bill. Locate the square QR code printed on the front of your latest electricity bill, near the reference number or total amount.

Step 2 — Scan the code. Open your phone camera or any QR scanner app and scan the code. A secure web link will appear — tap it to open the official CSSPIT C portal.

Step 3 — Enter your details. Your 14-digit bill reference number may auto-fill. If not, enter it manually, then enter your CNIC number.

Step 4 — Link your mobile number. Enter the mobile number registered to your CNIC. The SIM must be PTA-verified against the same identity card.

Step 5 — Enter the OTP. A one-time password will arrive via SMS. Enter it on the portal within the time limit and confirm.

Step 6 — Check your subsidy status. Once verified, the portal will display the subsidy applied to your current bill. Your data will be saved for future billing cycles.

If the QR code does not scan, visit the Cross Subsidy Programme registration portal directly and enter your details there.

Who qualifies?

Meeting the 200-unit threshold alone is no longer sufficient. The system now checks four conditions: the meter must be registered under a residential tariff; the consumer’s record should match BISP or NSER welfare data; only one meter per CNIC will receive the subsidy; and monthly consumption must consistently remain below 200 units.

Seasonal spikes, from air conditioners, for instance, can temporarily push a consumer out of the eligible category.

Consumers should also ensure the name on the bill matches their CNIC exactly to avoid any delay in verification.

The Power Division has confirmed that the subsidised tariff will be restored from June 1 only for consumers who complete this process. All meters in a non-compliant household will be billed at the full commercial rate, regardless of how many units are consumed.