Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has allegedly overbilled consumers through AMI smart meters by charging additional units to meet line-loss targets.
The communication systems of some smart meters were reportedly blocked, while additional units were charged to consumers. In some cases, meters were also muted before extra units were added.
After communication with the smart meters was stopped, LESCO later entered billing adjustments. However, clear discrepancies began appearing between the meter readings recorded on electricity bills and the accompanying meter photographs.
The overbilling complaints have been linked to unstable line-loss targets within LESCO. Consumers are now facing difficulties paying the unusually high electricity bills resulting from the additional charges.
The issue had earlier reached the Punjab Assembly, where the speaker summoned LESCO Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Ramzan Butt. During a committee meeting, he was informed about complaints related to overbilling.
A crackdown on overbilling had previously been launched on the directives of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Following the action, LESCO’s line-loss rate reportedly increased to around 15 percent.
However, complaints of overbilling resurfaced after the Federal Investigation Agency ended its operations. Reports suggest that consumers are again being charged additional units in an effort to show lower line losses.
The post LESCO Accused of Overbilling Consumers Through Smart Meters appeared first on ProPakistani.
