New policy for solar users: Only AMI meters will be installed, says LESCO notification

Lahore: Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has issued a new directive stating that only Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters will now be installed for solar energy consumers.

According to the official notification, the installation of AMI meters has been made compulsory for all solar connections.

Sources reveal that the price of these meters has doubled from around PKR 35,000 to PKR 70,000, which means solar users will face a significantly higher financial burden.

Additionally, the acceptance of new solar connection applications has been temporarily suspended. This move comes following instructions from the Ministry of Energy.

Meanwhile, the situation has been further complicated by an increase in solar panel thefts across the province. Reports indicate that over 50 schools in Rajanpur district alone reported missing solar panels during 2022 and 2023. In response, the Punjab Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has ordered immediate investigations.

Presiding over the PAC meeting, Tanzil Aslam Malik strongly condemned the theft of valuable solar panels from educational institutions, calling it a result of administrative negligence.

The committee criticized the Education Department for shifting the blame onto District Health Authorities instead of accepting responsibility. PAC directed authorities to promptly ascertain the total number of schools affected by solar panel thefts, how many have been restored, and what actions have been taken against those responsible.

These developments come at a time when the government is promoting alternative energy sources, but rising costs and theft incidents are causing growing public concern.