Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has taken significant steps to curb electricity theft and improve the overall safety and efficiency of its services in the regions of Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, and Nankana Sahib. This initiative is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to modernize its infrastructure and reduce the significant losses it has faced due to theft and poor management in certain areas.
A major development in this effort is the installation of scanning meters and aerial bundled cables in high-theft areas. According to LESCO CEO Engineer Shahid Haidar, these new measures have already led to a noticeable reduction in electricity theft, a persistent problem that has plagued the company for years. The installation of scanning meters is expected to further enhance the company’s ability to detect and address irregularities, while the aerial bundled cables will help secure the lines from damage or theft.
In addition to combating theft, LESCO has also focused on improving safety standards in several key areas of Lahore, including GOR, Cantt, Johar Town, and Gulberg. To protect both residents and workers, the company has added insulated conductors, which reduce the risk of accidents. Furthermore, LESCO has established a new Health, Safety, and Environment Directorate, which will work to prevent accidents and promote better practices across the company.
As part of its broader five-year business plan, LESCO is actively working to replace older meters with smart meters. The company plans to install a total of 535,000 smart meters, with 55,000 already installed so far. These smart meters are part of the company’s strategy to reduce losses, recover funds from unpaid bills, and enhance the accuracy of readings. The company’s efforts have already paid off, with LESCO recovering Rs. 4.23 billion from detection bills and Rs. 35.12 billion from private defaulters.
In addition to addressing theft and improving safety, LESCO has also taken steps to optimize its infrastructure. Workshops in Kasur and Sheikhupura are now reclaiming transformers, which has resulted in an annual saving of nearly Rs. 100 million. This initiative is not only cost-effective but also improves the overall service delivery by ensuring the availability of well-maintained transformers. The company has also built seven new 132kV grid stations and upgraded 16 transformers to enhance the supply of electricity to various areas. Over 4,000 new transformers have been installed to boost the efficiency of the supply network, ensuring that consumers experience fewer outages and better overall service.
The company has not only focused on infrastructure upgrades but has also taken strong measures to address internal issues. LESCO has taken action against 1,400 officers for corruption and negligence, reflecting a zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct within the company. This includes the dismissal of 97 employees holding higher positions, sending a strong message that the company is committed to transparency and accountability.
With these significant efforts, LESCO aims to complete additional upgrades and infrastructure improvements by mid-2025. These projects are expected to further reduce electricity theft, improve service quality, and ensure that the company remains financially viable while meeting the growing energy needs of its customers across the region.
