The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has started reinstalling old conventional electricity meters in place of meters that were burnt, damaged or removed for various reasons, according to sources.
The development comes as the power distribution company continues its meter replacement process across relevant offices while awaiting approval for the purchase of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) smart meters.
Old meters being reinstalled
Sources said LESCO has begun installing conventional meters that were previously in use to replace damaged or burnt meters.
The process has reportedly started at relevant LESCO offices, with the company continuing to replace meters that have become defective or unusable.
Laboratory reports have also been obtained for single-phase and three-phase meters that were removed in connection with net metering and net billing cases.
According to sources, meters that were found to be in proper working condition according to laboratory reports are being used again under the applicable defective-meter codes.
AMI smart meters not yet approved
The decision to reinstall conventional meters is linked to the non-approval of the budget required for purchasing AMI smart meters.
In the absence of newly purchased smart meters, LESCO is currently relying on available conventional meters to continue its replacement operations.
The company is proceeding with meter installation and replacement at the office level, allowing consumers with damaged or burnt meters to have their connections restored without waiting for the procurement of new smart meters.
Burnt meters to be replaced without extra charges
Sources said that under National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) rules, burnt electricity meters are required to be replaced without charging consumers any additional amount, subject to the applicable rules and circumstances.
The replacement of burnt and damaged meters is therefore continuing alongside the reinstallation of older conventional meters.
The use of existing meters is expected to allow LESCO to maintain the replacement process while the issue of AMI smart meter procurement remains pending.
Net metering and net billing cases under review
LESCO is also reviewing meters removed from consumers under net metering and net billing arrangements.
Laboratory reports for both single-phase and three-phase meters are being used to determine the condition of the equipment and guide further action.
Meters found to be functioning properly may be reinstalled, while cases involving defective equipment will be handled according to the relevant procedures.
Sources said further action in net metering and net billing cases will depend on the available laboratory reports and the condition of the meters.
Meter replacement continues across LESCO offices
The latest development highlights the challenges faced by LESCO in maintaining an adequate supply of replacement electricity meters.
While the company continues working on damaged and burnt meter replacement, the lack of an approved budget for AMI smart meters has led it to rely on conventional meters already available within its system.
Further developments are expected once the procurement of smart meters receives the necessary approval.
For now, LESCO offices are continuing meter installation and replacement activities, with laboratory reports being used to determine the status of meters involved in net metering and net billing cases.
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