Wondering how to calculate your LESCO bill from your meter reading? This step‑by‑step guide shows you exactly how, with real examples and insider tips to save thousands.
Published: April 18, 2026 | Reading time: 20-25 minutes | Fully updated for NEPRA 2026 tariffs
LESCO (Lahore Electric Supply Company) serves over 5 million consumers across Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Nankana Sahib. In 2026, with electricity tariffs reaching as high as Rs. 42.50 per unit, a typical LESCO household paying Rs. 15,000-25,000 monthly needs expert guidance. This comprehensive 6,000+ word guide explains everything: how LESCO calculates your bill, the magic of staying under 200 units (protected status), how LESCO compares with IESCO, MEPCO, FESCO, and how solar net metering can eliminate your bill entirely.
LESCO (Lahore Electric Supply Company) was established in 1998 after the unbundling of WAPDA. It is responsible for electricity distribution in:
Key Statistics (2026): Over 5.2 million consumers, peak demand exceeding 3,500 MW, and annual distribution losses around 12%. LESCO has consistently maintained one of the lowest line losses among Pakistani DISCOs.
Customer Support: LESCO helpline: 118 | SMS service: 8118 | Online portal: https://lesco.pitc.com.pk | Customer service centers in every tehsil.
Like all DISCOs, LESCO follows the uniform NEPRA domestic tariff notified for 2025-26. However, the application of protected status and FCA can vary slightly. Below is the official tariff table:
| Monthly Units (kWh) | Protected Rate (≤200 units) | Non-Protected Rate | Fixed Charge (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – 50 | Rs 3.95 | Rs 3.95 | 200 |
| 51 – 100 | Rs 7.74 | Rs 7.74 | 200 |
| 101 – 200 | Rs 13.01 | Rs 13.01 | 300 |
| 201 – 300 | - | Rs 33.10 | 400 |
| 301 – 400 | - | Rs 37.99 | 400 |
| 401 – 500 | - | Rs 40.22 | 400 |
| 500+ | - | Rs 42.50 | 400 |
Important: These rates are exclusive of GST (18%) and monthly FCA. The fixed charge is added to every bill based on the slab.
How to use this table: If you are a protected consumer (≤200 units), your entire consumption from 1-200 units is charged at the protected rates. If you exceed 200 units, you become non-protected and ALL units are charged at the higher non-protected rates.
This is the single most important financial concept for every LESCO consumer. Let's demonstrate with actual numbers using our LESCO Bill Calculator.
| Units Consumed | Consumer Status | Energy Charge (Rs) | Fixed (Rs) | GST 18% (Rs) | Total Bill (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180 | Protected | 2,340 | 300 | 475 | 3,115 |
| 200 | Protected | 2,602 | 300 | 522 | 3,424 |
| 210 | Non-Protected | 6,951 | 400 | 1,323 | 8,674 |
| 250 | Non-Protected | 8,275 | 400 | 1,562 | 10,237 |
| 350 | Non-Protected | 13,200 | 400 | 2,448 | 16,048 |
The shock: Jumping from 200 units to just 210 units increases your bill from Rs. 3,424 to Rs. 8,674 – an increase of Rs. 5,250 for only 10 extra units! That's over Rs. 525 per additional unit. This is why LESCO consumers must vigilantly monitor their meter readings every week, especially during summer.
Your LESCO bill contains several line items beyond the basic tariff. Understanding each helps you identify why your bill might be higher than the calculator estimate.
FCA is a monthly variable charge that passes on the change in fuel prices (oil, gas, coal) to consumers. When international energy prices rise, FCA increases your bill; when they fall, FCA can even be negative (credit). In 2025-26, average FCA has ranged between Rs. 2.5 – 4.5 per unit. For a 300-unit consumer, that's an extra Rs. 750 – 1,350 per month. LESCO publishes its FCA notification on its website and on the bill itself under "Fuel Price Adjustment".
A fixed levy of approximately Rs. 0.50 – 1.00 per unit to finance the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project. This applies to all domestic consumers regardless of consumption.
Rs. 35 per month if you have a television. It appears on most LESCO bills.
Usually Rs. 15-30 per month for the meter. Late payment surcharges apply if you pay after the due date – typically 5-10% of the bill amount.
All DISCOs follow the same NEPRA domestic tariff slabs, but there are minor differences in fixed charges, FCA, and service quality. Here's a comparison:
| DISCO | Service Area | Base Tariff Same? | Avg FCA (Jul 25-Mar 26) | Load Shedding (Summer) | Customer Satisfaction Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LESCO | Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Nankana | Yes | Rs 3.2/unit | Low (2-4 hrs/week) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| IESCO | Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum | Yes | Rs 3.0/unit | Very Low | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| MEPCO | Multan, DG Khan, Khanewal, Sahiwal | Yes | Rs 3.5/unit | Moderate (4-8 hrs/week) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| FESCO | Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh | Yes | Rs 3.1/unit | Low (2-6 hrs/week) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
| GEPCO | Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat | Yes | Rs 3.3/unit | Low | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| PESCO | Peshawar, Mardan, Swat, Abbottabad | Yes | Rs 3.4/unit | High (8-12 hrs/week) | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| HESCO | Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpur Khas | Yes | Rs 3.6/unit | Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐½ |
Key takeaway: The base tariff is identical, but FCA varies slightly by DISCO due to different generation mix and transmission losses. LESCO and IESCO consistently have lower load shedding and better customer service. For accurate bills, use our universal calculator and select your DISCO from the dropdown.
LESCO has one of the most progressive net metering policies in Pakistan. With electricity tariffs at all-time highs, solar is no longer a luxury – it's a smart investment with payback periods as low as 2.5 years.
You install solar panels on your roof. During daylight, your system generates electricity. You consume what you need; excess is exported to the LESCO grid. At night or on cloudy days, you import electricity from LESCO. Your bill is calculated on the "net" difference: (imported units × tariff) – (exported units × buyback rate). NEPRA mandates that DISCOs pay 75% of the retail tariff for exported units. So if you pay Rs. 35/unit, LESCO credits you Rs. 26.25/unit for exports.
Typical turnkey solar system prices (including panels, inverter, structure, wiring, and net metering application fees):
Lahore receives an average of 5.5 peak sun hours per day. A 5kW system generates: 5kW × 5.5h × 30 days = 825 kWh/month.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Monthly consumption | 400 units |
| Solar system size | 5kW (cost Rs. 700,000) |
| Monthly generation | 825 kWh |
| Self-consumption (estimate 60%) | 495 kWh |
| Exported to grid (40%) | 330 kWh |
| Savings from self-consumption (Rs 35/unit) | Rs. 17,325 |
| Credit from exports (Rs 26.25/unit) | Rs. 8,662 |
| Total monthly savings | Rs. 25,987 |
| Net system cost after tax credits | Rs. 650,000 (approx) |
| Payback period | 25 months (2.1 years) |
| 25-year lifetime savings | Rs. 7.8 million |
Processing time: Usually 30-60 days for LESCO, faster than most DISCOs.
These tips are specifically tailored for LESCO consumers but work for all DISCOs. Many are zero-cost behavioral changes; others are small investments with rapid payback.
Case Study: Mr. Ahmed, a resident of DHA Lahore, had a 3-bedroom home with two ACs (one inverter, one old), refrigerator, LED lights, and typical electronics. His monthly consumption averaged 550 units in summer.
Mr. Ahmed's solar system paid for itself in less than 2.5 years, and he now enjoys nearly free electricity for the next 22+ years.
Visit the official LESCO portal at https://lesco.pitc.com.pk, enter your 14-digit reference number, and download your bill. Alternatively, use our bill calculator to estimate before the official bill arrives.
Likely due to FCA increase or a change in protected status. If you crossed 200 units this month, your entire consumption was billed at non-protected rates. Also check if the previous bill had a negative FCA credit that is now positive.
FCA changes monthly. Check your previous bill under "Fuel Cost Adjustment" or visit LESCO's website for the latest notification. For estimation, assume Rs. 2.5-4.5 per unit.
Yes, LESCO is one of the most solar-friendly DISCOs. Follow the steps in section 6.4. Processing usually takes 30-60 days.
Inverter ACs consume less power once the set temperature is reached. However, turning it off when no one is home always saves more than keeping it on. Use a programmable thermostat if you want it to turn on before you return.
Visit your nearest LESCO customer service center with a copy of your bill and meter reading. Request a meter test (small fee). If the meter is faulty, LESCO will replace it and adjust your bill.
Bookmark these tools – they will help you estimate, plan, and save: