Everything you need to know about LESCO net metering in Lahore: step-by-step application, required documents checklist, exact fees in PKR, inspection timeline, billing explained, how much you'll save, and what to do if LESCO delays your application.
LESCO (Lahore Electric Supply Company) is the distribution company supplying electricity to Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib and surrounding districts. LESCO administers net metering in its territory under NEPRA's Net Metering Regulations 2015 (amended 2025).
LESCO is consistently the fastest and most organized DISCO for net metering in Pakistan. They have a dedicated solar processing team at the Gulberg CSC and have approved thousands of residential and commercial solar installations.
Your AEDB-registered installer installs the complete solar system. Inverter must be NEPRA-approved. All wiring, earthing, and protection devices must meet LESCO's technical standards. Do not attempt net metering application before installation is complete.
Before applicationGather personal documents (you provide) and technical documents (your installer prepares). See complete checklist in Section 4. Incomplete applications are a major cause of delays — get everything right first time.
Before submissionYour installer submits the application at the nearest LESCO Customer Service Centre with complete documentation. Pay the application processing fee. Get the application reference number and submission date in writing. LESCO's Gulberg CSC is recommended for fastest processing.
Day 1LESCO's technical team visits your premises. Be present or ensure your installer is present. They inspect: inverter installation and settings, DC and AC wiring, earthing/grounding, surge protection, and disconnection switches. They verify the system matches the submitted single-line diagram. Inspection takes 30–60 minutes.
2–4 weeks after submissionIf inspection passes, LESCO issues approval letter. Your installer coordinates with LESCO for meter installation scheduling. If inspection fails (common reasons: missing surge protector, incorrect earthing, non-approved inverter model), rectify the issues and request re-inspection.
1–2 weeks after inspectionLESCO replaces your existing meter with a bi-directional (import/export) smart meter. This meter records both units imported from the grid and units exported from your solar system. Meter installation is done by LESCO team — your presence is required.
1–2 weeks after approvalFrom the next billing cycle after meter installation, your LESCO bill shows import and export units. Net metering credits appear as reductions in your monthly bill. Your 25-year net metering license is issued.
Next billing cycle| Fee Item | Amount (PKR) | Paid To | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Processing Fee | Rs. 3,000–5,000 | LESCO (at CSC) | At application submission |
| Bi-Directional Meter Cost | Rs. 3,500–7,000 | LESCO | At meter installation |
| Meter Sealing Fee | Rs. 1,000–2,000 | LESCO | At meter installation |
| Net Metering Application (Installer) | Rs. 10,000–20,000 | Your installer | Part of installation contract |
| Total Government Fees | Rs. 7,500–14,000 | LESCO directly | Split across process |
Total LESCO fees are Rs. 7,500–14,000 paid directly to LESCO. Your installer's net metering handling fee (Rs. 10,000–20,000) should be included in your installation contract. Confirm this is included before signing — some budget installers exclude it.
After your bi-directional meter is installed, your monthly LESCO bill changes significantly:
| Bill Line Item | What It Means | Example (5kW, 500 units consumed) |
|---|---|---|
| Units Imported | Electricity you drew from LESCO grid | 280 units (night + daytime shortfall) |
| Units Exported | Excess solar sent to LESCO grid | 250 units (daytime excess) |
| Net Units Billed | Import minus export | 30 net units |
| Energy Charges | 30 units × current LESCO tariff | ~Rs. 1,350 (at Rs. 45/unit avg) |
| Fixed Charges | Meter rent + FC surcharge (NOT offset by solar) | Rs. 1,500–3,000/month |
| Total Bill | Energy charges + fixed charges + taxes | ~Rs. 4,000–6,000 |
| Pre-solar bill (same consumption) | 500 units × Rs. 45 + fixed charges | ~Rs. 26,000+ |
| System Size | Monthly Generation (Lahore) | Monthly Bill Reduction | Annual Savings | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kW on-grid | ~320 kWh avg | Rs. 12,000–15,000 | ~Rs. 1.6 Lac | ~2 yrs |
| 5 kW on-grid | ~530 kWh avg | Rs. 20,000–24,000 | ~Rs. 2.6 Lac | ~2 yrs |
| 7 kW on-grid | ~745 kWh avg | Rs. 28,000–33,000 | ~Rs. 3.7 Lac | ~2 yrs |
| 10 kW on-grid | ~1,065 kWh avg | Rs. 40,000–47,000 | ~Rs. 5.2 Lac | ~1.9 yrs |
Savings include both self-consumption (avoided import at retail rate) and net metering credits for exported units. Lahore smog-adjusted annual generation. Rs. 45/unit average tariff.
NEPRA mandates DISCOs process net metering applications within 30 days of complete documentation. If LESCO exceeds this:
LESCO typically processes net metering in 4–8 weeks from complete application: Submission to inspection: 2–4 weeks. Inspection to approval: 1–2 weeks. Approval to meter installation: 1–2 weeks. Total: 4–8 weeks. LESCO is Pakistan's fastest DISCO. Gulberg CSC is fastest within LESCO. Ensure complete documentation first time to avoid delay cycles — an incomplete application adds 2–4 weeks minimum for re-submission.
Your AEDB-registered installer prepares all technical documents. You provide the personal and connection documents.
No — LESCO requires all net metering applications to be submitted by an AEDB-registered installer. The application requires technical documents (single-line diagram, installation certificate, AEDB certificate) that only registered installers can provide. DIY solar installation also cannot be approved for net metering — LESCO requires AEDB installer certification. The installer's fee (Rs. 10,000–20,000) is a small cost relative to the system investment and covers both installation quality and net metering application handling.
LESCO net metering credits roll forward month-to-month — if you export more than you import in a month, the credit reduces your next month's bill. At the annual settlement (typically at financial year end), unused credits may lapse or be paid out at the "avoided cost" rate — which is lower than the retail tariff. Practically: size your system so annual generation approximately matches annual consumption. Don't massively oversize — credits beyond annual consumption provide diminishing returns in Pakistan's current LESCO net metering framework.
Most common rejection reasons: missing surge protection device (SPD), inadequate earthing, inverter not matching submitted documents.
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