The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has announced a major policy shift that threatens to raise the cost of solar energy adoption across Punjab.
According to a notification issued this week, only Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters will now be used for solar net-metering connections. The price of the AMI meter has been fixed at Rs70,000, which is double the cost of the previously used meters priced at Rs35,000.
In addition, LESCO has temporarily suspended new solar net-metering connections, leaving thousands of applicants uncertain about their transition to clean energy. Reports suggest that the move comes under directions from the Ministry of Energy.
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Experts warn that the decision could discourage households and small businesses from shifting to solar due to the higher upfront costs. For many users, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, the financial burden may be too heavy to bear.
LESCO provides electricity services to millions of customers in Lahore, Kasur, Okara, and Sheikhupura, making its policy critical for the region’s renewable energy progress.