LESCO Issues Warning for Solar Panel Users

The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has announced new regulations impacting solar power users, making it mandatory for all solar connections to be equipped with AMI meters. According to the company, “only AMI meters will now be allowed for solar connections.” Sources within LESCO revealed that the cost of these meters has been set at Rs. 70,000, double the previous price of approximately Rs. 35,000.

Additionally, new solar connection applications have been temporarily suspended, a directive reportedly issued by the Ministry of Energy.

This announcement follows recent reports of stolen solar panels from multiple government schools in Punjab during 2022 and 2023. In response, the Punjab Public Accounts Committee (PAC) ordered police investigations into the thefts. A report highlighted that 50 schools in Rajanpur alone had their solar panels stolen during the 2022–23 period.

During a PAC meeting chaired by Tanzeel Aslam Malik, officials were instructed to send strong letters to District Police Officers (DPOs) of affected areas. Malik criticized the Education Department for avoiding accountability and shifting responsibility to the District Health Authorities. The PAC has directed officials to ascertain the total number of affected schools, the quantity of stolen panels, and the progress made in recovering them.

This move by LESCO and ongoing investigations underline the government’s heightened focus on safeguarding solar energy resources while enforcing stricter compliance for solar power connections.