LESCO Announces Major Step for Solar Consumers — Bi-Directional Green Meters to Be Replaced

The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has made a groundbreaking decision impacting thousands of solar energy consumers across Punjab. The company has officially started the replacement of old bi-directional green meters installed at solar system connections with new, advanced AMI Smart and AMR meters. This transition marks a significant milestone in the digital modernization of Pakistan’s power distribution system.

LESCO’s Digital Transformation: Smart Meters for a Smarter Grid

LESCO’s recent initiative aims to revolutionize its metering and billing infrastructure. The replacement of traditional bi-directional green meters with AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) Smart Meters and AMR (Automated Meter Reading) Meters will automate billing, enhance transparency, and eliminate human error from meter reading processes.

The new AMI smart meters will be directly connected to the central control room, enabling real-time monitoring of electricity consumption and production from solar-powered consumers. This means the need for manual meter readings and photographic evidence will no longer exist. Instead, LESCO’s control room will have instant access to each user’s consumption and net metering data.

Eliminating Overbilling and Power Theft

One of the primary goals behind this digital upgrade is to combat power theft and overbilling, two major issues that have plagued the electricity sector for years. Through automated data collection and online billing, LESCO expects a significant reduction in billing disputes and electricity theft incidents.

With AMI Smart Metering, the system will automatically detect irregular usage patterns or tampering attempts. This real-time data transmission will help LESCO’s technical teams take immediate action, minimizing energy losses and ensuring fair billing for all customers.

How the New AMI and AMR Meters Work

AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) meters are not just ordinary digital devices. They come equipped with two-way communication technology that enables data exchange between the consumer’s meter and the utility’s central system. This allows LESCO to remotely monitor and manage connections, ensuring high accuracy and efficiency.

AMR (Automated Meter Reading) meters, on the other hand, automatically record the electrical energy consumption and transmit the data to the central server via wireless or wired communication channels. This removes the need for physical visits from meter readers, reducing operational costs and human intervention.

Together, AMI and AMR systems form a unified framework that supports smart grid technology, helping LESCO build a more resilient, data-driven power distribution network.

Impact on Solar Consumers

Solar consumers connected through net metering are among those most affected by this new policy. Previously, bi-directional green meters were used to measure both the import (electricity consumed from the grid) and export (electricity supplied back to the grid) of energy. While this system functioned well, it had limitations in terms of data transparency and online integration.

Now, with the introduction of AMI Smart Meters, LESCO will have live data feeds of both import and export readings. This will make net billing faster, more accurate, and tamper-proof. Consumers will be able to view their real-time energy data through a dedicated online portal, allowing them to track usage, production, and cost savings more effectively.

Notices Issued to Consumers

LESCO has already issued notices to thousands of solar system owners, informing them about the upcoming meter replacement. The process will be conducted in phases, ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting the power supply.

According to official sources, technical teams have been deployed across major divisions, including Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Okara, to handle installations and address consumer queries. The notice emphasizes that all new smart meters will be installed free of cost under the company’s modernization program.

Why the Green Meters Are Being Replaced

In September last year, LESCO had banned the procurement and installation of new bi-directional green meters, citing issues related to accuracy and compatibility with advanced monitoring systems. The company’s technical experts highlighted that the old meters were not fully compatible with real-time digital infrastructure required for smart grid management.

The new AMI and AMR meters, in contrast, are IoT-enabled, capable of remote firmware updates, instant disconnection or reconnection, and data encryption for enhanced security. This transition ensures that LESCO’s metering system aligns with international smart energy standards.

Benefits for Consumers

The replacement of old meters with smart metering technology offers numerous benefits for consumers:

• Accurate billing through automated readings that reduce human error
• Real-time monitoring of energy usage and solar generation
• Transparency that eliminates the possibility of tampering or unauthorized adjustments
• Faster complaint resolution through digital data sharing
• Reduced workload for field staff, allowing them to focus on service improvements

Expected Results of the New Online Billing System

With the implementation of the online billing system, LESCO expects to see:

• A sharp decline in electricity theft, as smart meters can detect and report tampering attempts
• A reduction in overbilling complaints since all readings are system-generated
• Improved efficiency in energy management, helping LESCO balance demand and supply in real time
• Enhanced consumer trust through transparency and accuracy

These improvements not only benefit consumers but also support Pakistan’s long-term goal of achieving a sustainable, technology-driven power infrastructure.

Future Expansion Plans

LESCO’s smart metering project is just the beginning. The company plans to extend AMI technology to all categories of consumers, including residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, in the near future. The vision is to create a fully digital, interconnected power grid that supports renewable energy integration, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and NEPRA, LESCO is also exploring partnerships with international technology providers to further enhance its smart grid capabilities. This includes cloud-based data analytics, AI-assisted load forecasting, and consumer behavior modeling to optimize energy distribution.

Conclusion

LESCO’s initiative to replace bi-directional green meters with AMI Smart and AMR meters marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s journey toward energy digitalization. This forward-thinking decision not only enhances transparency and billing accuracy but also strengthens the fight against electricity theft and inefficiency. With this technological upgrade, LESCO is setting new benchmarks for other power distribution companies in the country.

The transition represents a win-win situation for both the company and consumers ensuring fair billing, improved service quality, and greater trust in Pakistan’s evolving power sector.