LESCO smart meters delayed as conventional electricity meters return
The Lahore Electric Supply Company is installing conventional electricity meters to replace units that have been damaged, burnt or removed. The move comes while the utility waits for approval of funds for additional AMI smart meters.
The development is notable because LESCO had already started expanding its smart metering programme earlier this year.
Working meters may be reused
According to sources, LESCO has received laboratory reports for single-phase and three-phase meters previously removed from some net metering Pakistan cases.
Meters found to be working properly are being considered for reuse. Some may be installed on connections where existing meters have defective codes.
The move could help LESCO deal with pending LESCO meter replacement cases while procurement of new equipment remains delayed.
Officials are checking the condition of available LESCO meters before deciding where they can be used again.
Smart meter rollout continues
LESCO began a phased programme involving LESCO smart meters earlier this year. The first phase included 1,000 single-phase AMI meters during August.
However, the latest development shows that conventional electricity meters are still being used for some replacement cases.
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The temporary use of traditional units does not necessarily mean the company has abandoned its smart metering plans.
Instead, AMI smart meters remain part of the longer-term plan, while conventional units are being used to deal with immediate replacement needs.
Net metering meters under review
The laboratory reports are also important for meters connected with net meteri
ng Pakistan and net billing.
LESCO is assessing these meters according to their condition and individual case details. Working units could be reused, while damaged meters may need replacement.
The process could help reduce the number of pending LESCO meter replacement requests.
The utility is handling the replacement work through its relevant offices while waiting for further decisions on smart meter procurement.
Why the move matters
The temporary return of LESCO meters could help consumers whose electricity meters have been damaged or stopped working.
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At the same time, the situation highlights the financial challenges facing the expansion of LESCO smart meters.
Smart meters can provide more detailed monitoring and automated data, but their wider installation requires funding, procurement and technical arrangements.
