The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has announced plans to implement prepaid electricity meters for its consumers, marking a significant shift in how electricity usage will be managed and billed. This new system will allow customers to pay for their electricity in advance, similar to the way mobile phone credit is recharged, providing greater control over their energy consumption.
LESCO’s Chief Engineer, Muhammad Ramzan Butt, explained that users will be able to load a balance onto their meters, and electricity will be supplied based on the available credit. This approach is expected to empower consumers to regulate their electricity usage more effectively, especially during peak hours. Customers can choose to consume their prepaid balance over a period ranging from six days up to a month, depending on their preferences and needs.
In a significant development, the prepaid meter system is currently undergoing a trial phase, with two meters installed in Allama Iqbal Town as part of a pilot project. This testing phase aims to evaluate the system’s functionality and consumer response before a wider rollout. The initiative also seeks to address longstanding complaints about overbilling, which have been a source of frustration for many electricity users.
Furthermore, Muhammad Ramzan Butt highlighted that LESCO is outsourcing certain additional services to streamline consumer support and reduce difficulties in accessing assistance. This move is expected to enhance the overall customer experience as the company transitions to this new prepaid electricity model, which could potentially transform electricity consumption and billing practices in the region.
