LESCO launches Rs170b AMI meters project to combat power theft

LAHORE: The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) initiated a major project to install Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters across its network.

The power generation company aims to target an estimated 6.5 million consumer connections.

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The project carries an estimated cost of Rs170 billion and aims to address persistent issue of electricity theft and overbilling in the city of 14.8 million.

The decision to implement AMI meters by LESCO follows increasing concerns over revenue losses attributed to unauthorised electricity usage. Reports suggest that electricity theft costs Pakistan’s energy sector billions of rupees in losses annually. This also strains  the financial viability of the utility companies.

AMI meters are designed to enable a two-way communication between the utility and consumers, allowing for accurate and timely billing.

Unlike traditional meters, AMI systems can detect outages and service interruptions, allowing for quicker response times and improved service reliability.  

Following the installation of the AMI meters, LESCO will compile report detailing the project’s progress and outcomes.

The report will be reportedly submitted to the Ministry of Power Davison, which will then coordinate with the Ministry of Economic Affairs to secure funding for the initiative.

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Once funding is approved, the installation of the modern meters will start. The implementation of the AMI technology will enable centralised monitoring from a control room, allowing LESCO to oversee electricity consumption patterns and identify irregularities.