The LESCO has reportedly withdrawn the long-standing free electricity facility for officers in Grades 18 to 20. As a result, these officers will now have to pay their electricity bills for the first time in almost three decades.
According to sources within LESCO, the decision ends a benefit that had been available to senior officers for nearly 30 years. The reported move is part of broader efforts to improve financial discipline and reduce costs in the power sector.
Under the previous policy, Grade 18 officers were entitled to receive up to 6,000 free electricity units every year. Grade 19 officers received up to 8,000 free units annually, while Grade 20 officers were allowed up to 10,000 free electricity units each year.
With the reported withdrawal of the facility, officers in these grades will now be responsible for paying their monthly electricity bills like other consumers. The change marks a significant shift in employee benefits within the company.
Sources said that while LESCO has implemented the new policy, the situation is different in several other power distribution companies (DISCOs). Officers in those organizations have reportedly obtained stay orders from courts. These legal orders have allowed them to continue receiving free electricity despite similar reform efforts.
The difference in policies across distribution companies has raised concerns among officers. Some LESCO officials believe that applying different rules in different organizations creates inequality within the power sector.
According to sources, LESCO officers have argued that if the benefit has been withdrawn in one company, it should also be removed in all other distribution companies. They have called for equal treatment across the sector instead of allowing separate policies to remain in place.
The officers have urged the Ministry of Energy to introduce a single nationwide policy for all electricity distribution companies. They believe a uniform approach would ensure fairness and consistency for employees working in different DISCOs.
The reported decision comes as the government continues to introduce reforms in Pakistan’s energy sector. Authorities are working to reduce unnecessary expenses, improve financial management, and strengthen the overall performance of public power companies.
At the time of filing this report, neither the Ministry of Energy nor LESCO had issued an official statement confirming the reported policy change. However, the development has attracted attention because it affects a benefit that had remained in place for many years.
In other news read more about LESCO Officials to Pay Electricity Bills as Free Units Facility Ends
The latest move reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to reform the electricity sector and improve its financial sustainability. Further updates are expected if the Ministry of Energy or LESCO releases an official response regarding the reported withdrawal of the free electricity facility.
