LAHORE: The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has started purchasing 297,000 smart electricity meters. The estimated cost of the project is around Rs5 billion.
The planned devices are single-phase advanced metering infrastructure meters. These are commonly known as AMI meters. The new meters will initially be provided to consumers seeking new electricity connections.
The procurement is part of LESCO’s plan to modernise its electricity metering system. The company aims to increase the use of smart technology across its service area.
According to reports, defective electricity meters may also be replaced with smart meters. However, this replacement plan requires approval from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA).
The required budget must be approved before the replacement programme can proceed. The timing of this process will depend on the relevant regulatory approval.
LESCO currently maintains a stock of conventional static meters. These meters are used when existing meters become defective or are damaged.
Some meters also need replacement after burning incidents. Conventional meters are currently being used for these cases. The planned procurement could gradually change this practice.
The introduction of AMI meters is expected to expand smart metering among LESCO consumers. Smart meters can support more modern electricity monitoring systems.
The procurement also reflects the company’s broader efforts to update its distribution operations. The technology is expected to play a role in improving the metering process.
LESCO is one of Pakistan’s major electricity distribution companies. It provides electricity across five districts in Punjab.
Its service area includes Lahore, which is the province’s major metropolitan centre. LESCO also operates in Kasur, an area with agricultural and industrial activity.
The company also supplies electricity to Okara. The district is known for its cotton production and agricultural activity.
LESCO’s distribution network extends to Sheikhupura as well. The district includes rural and semi-urban communities.
Nankana Sahib is also included in LESCO’s service territory. The company supplies electricity to its towns and surrounding villages.
The procurement of AMI meters is expected to gradually increase smart meter coverage. New connection applicants are expected to be among the first consumers to receive them.
The planned project could also support future replacement of older meters. However, that phase depends on NEPRA’s approval of the required funds.
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LESCO’s latest procurement plan marks another step toward modern electricity metering. The company is expected to continue using existing meters until the new devices are deployed.
