The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has begun installing scanning meters and aerial bundled cables in high-theft areas across Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, and Nankana Sahib. According to LESCO CEO Engineer Shahid Haidar, this move has helped reduce electricity theft.
To boost safety, insulated conductors have also been added in green areas like GOR, Cantt, Johar Town, and Gulberg. A new Health, Safety, and Environment Directorate has been formed to prevent accidents.
The company is currently installing 535,000 smart meters under its five-year business plan. So far, 55,000 have been set up. This, along with other efforts, has helped cut losses and recover Rs. 4.23 billion from detection bills and Rs. 35.12 billion from private defaulters.
Workshops in Kasur and Sheikhupura are now reclaiming transformers, saving nearly Rs. 100 million annually and improving service.
It has also built seven new 132kV grid stations, upgraded 16 transformers, and carried out line reconductoring over 116 km. Over 4,000 transformers have been installed to boost supply efficiency. The company aims to complete more upgrades by mid-2025.
LESCO has taken action against 1,400 officers for corruption and negligence, including the dismissal of 97 employees in higher positions.