Over 100,000 LESCO Meters Found Faulty as Replacement Stock Runs Out
The crisis of faulty LESCO meters has deepened across Lahore as more than 100,000 households face billing disruptions due to burnt, malfunctioning, and outdated meters. With replacement stocks running critically low, the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) is now relying heavily on average billing, causing frustration among consumers already struggling with rising electricity costs.
This alarming situation has raised concerns about LESCO’s procurement delays, regulatory obligations under NEPRA, and the long-term impact on the power distribution system.
A Record Number of Faulty Meters
According to official documentation, 105,000 electricity meters — both single-phase and three-phase — have been declared defective, burnt, or non-functional across LESCO’s operational zones.
Breakdown of Faulty Meters
- 102,000 single-phase meters found damaged or burnt
- 2,400 three-phase meters reported defective or malfunctioning
This marks the highest meter failure count in LESCO’s history, indicating severe strain on the distribution infrastructure.
Why Meter Replacements Are Delayed
Despite the urgent need, LESCO has been unable to replace the faulty units. The company’s meter stock has nearly run out, causing widespread delays in installations.
Key Reasons Behind the Shortage
1. Ban on Conventional Meters
The Ministry of Energy’s Power Division earlier stopped the installation of conventional meters. This sudden shift disrupted procurement cycles and created an immediate supply gap.
2. Slow Procurement of Smart Meters
Although smart meters were expected to replace conventional ones, the procurement of single-phase smart meters slowed significantly after the policy change.
As a result, LESCO’s warehouse inventory dropped without replenishment.
3. High Fault Rate vs Low Supply
The surge in burnt and malfunctioning meters outpaced available replacements, creating a backlog that continues to grow.
Consumers Forced Into Average Billing
Under NEPRA rules, LESCO must replace all defective meters promptly.
However, due to shortages, the company is applying a “defective code” to customer accounts — a temporary billing solution where consumers are charged average monthly units instead of actual consumption.
Impact on Consumers
- Unexpectedly high bills during peak season
- No measurement of real usage
- Billing disputes becoming more common
- Frustration among households and small businesses
For many families, this average billing method is becoming a financial burden, especially when paired with Pakistan’s increasing energy tariffs.
NEPRA’s Regulatory Pressure
NEPRA regulations clearly state that distribution companies must ensure accurate metering and must replace faulty meters immediately to avoid unjustified billing.
LESCO’s failure to comply exposes the company to:
- Regulatory scrutiny
- Consumer complaints
- Potential penalties
- Reputational damage
Industry experts warn that unresolved meter issues can also affect nationwide power distribution data and loss calculations.
Operational Zones Most Affected
While the crisis spans all LESCO divisions, insiders point out that the highest number of complaints are emerging from:
- Lahore City
- Kasur
- Sheikhupura
- Nankana Sahib
In these areas, consumer support centers are witnessing a high volume of meter-related complaints each week.
Shift Toward Smart Metering Still Too Slow
Pakistan has long aimed to transition toward advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), but frequent delays, procurement challenges, and policy inconsistencies have slowed implementation.
Smart Meter Benefits (But Not Yet Available Widely)
- Accurate real-time readings
- Reduced risk of meter tampering
- Lower chance of burnt or faulty meters
- Automated load management
However, in LESCO’s case, the delayed rollout has now created a system-wide bottleneck, resulting in shortages and forced reliance on outdated average billing.
Financial & Administrative Burden on LESCO
The massive number of faulty LESCO meters is not only affecting consumers but also creating administrative and financial pressure on the company.
Losses LESCO Faces
- Increased distribution losses due to inaccurate readings
- Revenue fluctuations from non-metered billing
- Cost escalation for urgent procurement
- Higher customer service complaints and workload
Officials also report that technical teams are overwhelmed, with backlogs growing daily.
Public Frustration Continues to Grow
For consumers already dealing with tariff hikes, fuel price adjustments, and economic pressures, the meter crisis feels like another blow.
Common Complaints Recorded at LESCO Offices
- Average bills much higher than real usage
- Months-long waits for meter replacement
- Repeated complaints without resolution
- Difficulty correcting inflated bills
Many citizens argue that the government and LESCO should accelerate smart meter procurement to restore transparency in billing.
What Happens Next?
LESCO is reportedly preparing emergency procurement plans to replenish meter stocks. Meanwhile, NEPRA is expected to seek clarification regarding compliance issues.
But until new meters arrive, consumers may continue to face:
- Prolonged average billing
- Delays in meter replacement
- Higher electricity costs
The situation highlights the need for a stable, long-term metering strategy across Pakistan’s power sector.
Conclusion – Over 100,000 LESCO Meters Found Faulty Replacement Stock Runs Out
With more than 100,000 LESCO meters found faulty, Lahore’s power consumers are enduring one of the most significant metering crises in recent years. Replacement stocks have run out, procurement remains slow, and average billing is creating serious financial and operational challenges.
Unless LESCO accelerates smart meter procurement and restores consistent metering, consumers may continue to bear the cost of policy delays and administrative bottlenecks.
