The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has announced a major shift in its approach to solar system meters, marking the end of the use of traditional green meters. The company has mandated the switch to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters for all new solar installations. This move is part of LESCO’s broader strategy to enhance the efficiency and security of electricity consumption monitoring.
Sarwar Mughal, LESCO’s Director of Customer Services, officially communicated the new directive, emphasizing that consumers will now need to obtain a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from LESCO to purchase the required AMI meters from the market. This change is expected to place an extra financial burden on consumers, as AMI meters are significantly more expensive, costing around Rs20,000 more than the previously used green meters.
Despite the higher cost, AMI meters offer significant advantages. They are designed to provide more accurate billing and to combat electricity theft, a persistent issue in the region. The advanced technology in AMI meters allows for better monitoring and management of electricity usage, potentially leading to long-term savings for consumers and reducing the incidence of overbilling.
This transition to AMI meters aligns with LESCO’s efforts to modernize the electric grid and enhance customer service. While the initial cost increase might be a concern for many, the benefits of improved accuracy and reduced losses could make this a worthwhile investment for both the company and its consumers. As LESCO continues to implement this change, it is expected that the overall efficiency and reliability of the electricity supply will improve, benefitting the entire community.