A large number of Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) customers are reporting unexpectedly high electricity bills after widespread meter faults forced the utility to issue estimated charges instead of actual readings.
The situation has prompted the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) to issue a notice to LESCO Chief Muhammad Ramzan Butt, demanding a detailed explanation.
⚡ Over 100,000 meters reported defective
According to internal data, LESCO has identified 102,000 burnt or defective single-phase meters along with 2,400 faulty three-phase meters. The shortage has persisted for more than six months, leaving consumers without timely meter replacements.
In many cases, consumers received average bills under defective meter codes, significantly increasing their monthly payments.
NEPRA said LESCO failed to maintain the mandatory meter stock required for both new connections and replacements — a violation of existing regulatory conditions. The regulator reminded the utility that meter replacement is a legal responsibility, not a discretionary service.
🚨 Public anger grows
Residents say the shortage has caused financial strain, with many complaining that inflated bills have been issued repeatedly despite repeated visits to LESCO offices.
Some consumers allege they faced undue pressure after meter malfunctions, and several claimed false electricity theft cases were registered against them.
💰 Millions deposited, meters still missing
Sources revealed that thousands of people deposited millions of rupees in demand notices over the past six months, yet their meters remain uninstalled.
Officials said disputes between customers and staff have become frequent, especially since every delay forces residents to pay higher average bills month after month.
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🔧 Procurement delays blamed
LESCO operations officers criticized current management, saying the crisis began when the company failed to finalize procurement tenders for new meters.
Despite multiple requests for comment, LESCO officials remained unavailable at the time of reporting.
