Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has decided to purchase AMI single-phase smart meters on a large scale as part of its plan to modernize electricity connections and improve billing efficiency.
According to sources, LESCO has approved the procurement of 240,000 AMI single-phase smart meters, with an estimated total cost of up to PKR 3.5 billion.
Procurement Process Officially Begins
LESCO’s Material Management Department has formally initiated the purchasing process. These smart meters will be used exclusively for new electricity connections across LESCO’s jurisdiction.
At present, LESCO is issuing electricity connections on an NOC-based system, under which consumers are required to purchase smart meters themselves from the open market. After buying the meter, consumers submit it for installation using an NOC issued by LESCO.
NOC System to Be Phased Out
Sources say that once LESCO’s own stock of AMI smart meters becomes available:
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Consumers will be issued official demand notices
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Smart meters will be provided directly by LESCO
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The existing NOC-based meter purchase system will be discontinued
This change is expected to simplify the connection process, reduce market dependency, and ensure standardized smart meter installation.
Why AMI Smart Meters Matter
AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) smart meters allow:
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Real-time electricity usage monitoring
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Remote meter reading and billing
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Reduced chances of power theft
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Faster fault detection
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Improved transparency between consumers and the utility
What This Means for Consumers
For new applicants, the move will:
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Eliminate the hassle of buying meters from the market
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Ensure official, verified smart meters
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Standardize connection costs
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Reduce delays caused by meter availability issues
LESCO’s decision marks a significant step toward digitization of Pakistan’s power distribution system, aligning with broader smart grid initiatives.
