LESCO replaces old meters with Smart AMI units

LAHORE: The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has implemented strict new regulations for net metering projects following a sharp increase in cases of customers installing substandard or non-compliant solar inverters.

Under the updated framework, all net metering applicants will now have to provide the serial number of the inverter along with the manufacturer’s name, which will be logged into LESCO’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The company clarified that applications missing this crucial information will face automatic cancellation of meter allocation.

LESCO officials stressed that the inverter numbers submitted will be thoroughly verified during meter installation. Any discrepancy or mismatch will prevent the meter from being connected to the grid, ensuring that only certified, compliant solar devices are allowed to operate.

The new rules also state that the inverter numbers provided by companies in their documentation will become part of the government record, creating a permanent trail for verification purposes. The move is aimed at eliminating the use of counterfeit or substandard inverters and maintaining the integrity of the net metering system.

“These measures are designed to protect consumers and the electricity grid from substandard installations. Only approved and certified solar devices will be allowed to connect, and any violations will be dealt with severely,” a Lesco spokesperson said.

By tightening oversight, the utility hopes to prevent substandard devices from compromising grid stability, ensure safe and efficient solar installations, and maintain public confidence in the net metering program.

Consumers wishing to participate in net metering are urged to ensure that their inverters are properly registered and verified before applying, as LESCO has made it clear that non-compliance will result in rejection of meter allocation and delay in installation.

The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) also announced the phased replacement of two-way green meters installed on solar power connections with modern AMI smart and AMR meters. The new meters will be directly linked to the billing system, eliminating the need for manual readings or submission of images of the meter. The move is expected to streamline the billing process and improve accuracy.

Sources say that the implementation of the online billing system is likely to significantly reduce complaints related to power theft and overbilling. It is worth mentioning that LESCO had banned the purchase of two-way green meters last September.