The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has ended the long-standing facility of free electricity units for its Grade 18 to 20 officers, requiring them to pay regular power bills like other consumers.

The decision is being viewed as a significant step in ongoing efforts to review and reform employee benefits across Pakistan’s power sector. It also reflects a broader push for greater transparency and uniformity in public sector incentives.

According to LESCO sources, this is the first time in nearly three decades that officers have lost access to free electricity units. As a result, many officers are now receiving monthly electricity bills, with some reporting that a noticeable portion of their salaries is being spent on energy costs.

Previously, Grade 18 officers were entitled to 6,000 free electricity units annually, while Grade 19 officers received 8,000 units and Grade 20 officers were allocated 10,000 units. Under the revised policy, these benefits have been completely withdrawn.

Sources said similar decisions were made for officers in other electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) across the country. However, some companies reportedly obtained court orders that temporarily restored the facility for their employees.

Meanwhile, LESCO officers have argued that if salaries already include allowances and benefits, then free electricity should not be provided in any government-owned utility company. They have called on the Ministry of Energy to implement a uniform policy for all distribution companies to ensure equal treatment nationwide.

Energy sector observers say the move could help reduce operational costs and improve accountability. The decision is also being seen as an important development in efforts to create a fairer and more transparent system of employee benefits within Pakistan’s power sector.