LESCO Starts Putting Meter Reading Date on Electricity Bills Amid Overcharging Allegations

The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has started publishing the scheduled meter reading dates on electricity bills. This development comes in the wake of an ongoing investigation by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) into allegations of overbilling.

The decision to include meter reading dates on electricity bills is expected to empower consumers by allowing them to accurately estimate their electricity usage. By comparing the specified meter reading date on the bill with the date and time recorded on the meter photograph, consumers can verify the units charged, thereby ensuring greater accuracy and fairness in billing.

The probe by NAB and FIA was initiated last month following numerous complaints from consumers about being charged for additional units through the pro-rata system. This system, which adjusts billing based on estimated usage rather than actual meter readings, led to widespread dissatisfaction and allegations of overbilling.

During the investigation, the absence of meter reading dates on electricity bills was identified as a critical issue. Investigative teams from NAB and FIA highlighted that LESCO had failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for this omission, raising concerns about the transparency and accuracy of the billing process.

In response to the investigation and the subsequent public outcry, LESCO has taken swift action to address the concerns. A spokesperson for LESCO stated, “We are committed to providing our consumers with accurate and transparent billing information. The inclusion of meter reading dates on electricity bills is a step towards achieving this goal and addressing the concerns raised by the investigation.”

The new measure is expected to have a positive impact on consumers, who will now have the ability to cross-check their electricity usage against the recorded meter readings.