NEPRA issues show-cause notice to LESCO

LAHORE: The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) is under scrutiny as the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has issued a show-cause notice for its alleged failure to adhere to Consumer Service Manual (CSM) provisions.

According to Business Recorder, LESCO is accused of charging detection bills to numerous consumers for more than two billing cycles due to energy meter slowness.

NEPRA’s notice directs LESCO to respond within 15 days, explaining why a potential penalty of up to Rs200 million should not be imposed for this violation. According to the show-cause notice, this penalty would be imposed on the company for charging detection bills to consumers in violation of CSM provisions regarding meter slowness.

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NEPRA has reportedly been receiving numerous complaints from LESCO consumers regarding the company’s practice of not replacing faulty meters. Instead they allegedly opt for the issuance of average bills.

In response to these complaints, NEPRA initiated a preliminary notice seeking an explanation from LESCO. However, the response submitted by LESCO failed to satisfy NEPRA, prompting the regulatory authority to issue the show-cause notice.

The CSM guidelines specify that, in case of slow electricity meters, the company can charge only one month’s bill. The exact number of complaints and the total amount charged by LESCO to its consumers are currently unknown. NEPRA’s show-cause notice aims to shed light on these matters and hold Lesco accountable for potential violations.