Types of LESCO Electricity Meters Explained (2026 Guide)
Learn about the various electricity meters installed by Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), how to read digital LCD display codes, verify meter readings, and understand why checking your bill online requires a Reference Number rather than a Meter Number.
Many consumers try to look up their bill using the serial number stamped on the meter. However, the official PITC/LESCO billing database does not support search by meter number. If you need your bill, locate the 14-digit Reference Number on any previous physical bill paper, or use your 7-digit Consumer ID.
1 Single-Phase Digital Static Meters (A1-A Domestic)
The vast majority of residential homes and small shops in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Okara use single-phase static electronic meters (typically rated at 230V, 10-40A or 10-60A). These units have replaced old mechanical rotating disc meters.
Key Features & Display Indicators:
- LCD Display: Continuously cycles between total kilowatt-hours (kWh), voltage, and instant load.
- Impulse LED (Blinking Red Light): Typically calibrated to 1600 or 3200 impulses per kWh. The faster it blinks, the more electricity is currently being consumed.
- Earth Leakage / Reverse Indicator: A dedicated red indicator LED alerts if there is neutral looping, earth fault, or reverse current.
2 Three-Phase Time-of-Use (TOU) Meters
Installed for loads above 5 kW (large residences, multi-story buildings, commercial plazas, and light industrial connections). These meters feature an internal real-time clock (RTC) that segregates units into two distinct billing buckets: Peak Hours and Off-Peak Hours.
How to Read 3-Phase Meter Codes:
- Code 01 / Date: Displays current date and system clock.
- Code 02 / Off-Peak Units: Total cumulative units consumed during off-peak hours.
- Code 03 / Peak Units: Cumulative units consumed during peak hours (billed at higher rate).
- Code 04 / Maximum Demand Indicator (MDI): Highest instantaneous electrical power drawn (in kW) during the month.
3 Green Bi-Directional Net Meters (Solar Photovoltaic)
Under NEPRA Net Metering Regulations, consumers with distributed solar installations are issued a specialized green-coded bi-directional digital meter.
Import Register (Grid Consumption)
Records units delivered by LESCO to your property during night hours or high-load periods when solar generation is insufficient.
Export Register (Solar Injected)
Records surplus green energy fed back into the 11kV grid. Your bill shows the net difference (Export vs Import).
4 Smart AMI / AMR Meters (Next-Gen Automated Infrastructure)
As part of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded power distribution reform, LESCO is progressively replacing conventional meters with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) smart meters equipped with cellular SIM/RF communication. These eliminate physical meter reader visits, take photographic snapshots, and report line voltage, outages, and tampering in real time.
What to Do if Your LESCO Meter is Defective or Burnt
If your meter display is blank, displaying error codes, or burnt due to high voltage surge or short-circuit:
- Call LESCO emergency helpline 118 immediately to report a spark, burn, or fire hazard.
- Submit a written replacement application at your local Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) office.
- Do not allow unauthorized private electricians to bypass the meter, as this triggers heavy theft detection penalties.
- Track your complaint status using the LESCO Complaint Guide.