Update: The Power Division has rejected reports claiming a ban on installing second electricity meters, calling them false and misleading. It clarified that under NEPRA regulations, a second meter is still allowed for separate residential units with their own entrance, circuit, and kitchen.
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"بجلی کے دو میٹر لگانے پر پابندی" کے حوالے سے سوشل میڈیا پر گردش کرنے والی خبریں سراسر جھوٹی، گمراہ کن اور عوام میں بے چینی پھیلانے کی مذموم کوشش ہیں۔ ایسی جھوٹی خبریں پھیلانا اور شیئر کرنا پیکا ایکٹ کے تحت قابلِ سزا جرم ہے۔ pic.twitter.com/JDKtT0TSU1
— MOE- Power Division, Government of Pakistan (@MoWP15) June 8, 2025
The Ministry of Energy has issued new instructions to LESCO, FESCO, MEPCO, and other power companies, banning the installation of more than one single-phase electricity meter in a single residential unit.
According to the new policy, a household can only apply for a second meter if the property is properly divided into separate portions. The upper unit must have an independent entrance, its own kitchen, and a separate internal electric circuit.
The entrance and exit must also be completely separate from the lower portion. Additionally, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) will verify the building layout under its by-laws.
Applicants must provide affidavits on Rs. 50 stamp paper, declaring that different families are living separately and have separate entrances. However, these conditions will not apply to those seeking connections of up to 5kW. In such cases, consumers will be given a three-phase meter.
The Power Division stated that many households have installed multiple meters to keep consumption under 200 units per meter, unfairly benefiting from government relief aimed at low-income users. In reality, such homes often consume 700 to 800 units a month.
LESCO is preparing a crackdown. Staff will inspect homes with multiple meters and cut illegal connections. The new policy will take effect in July, with an awareness campaign to follow.
Lanat on government