In an effort to control the abuse of government electricity subsidies, the Ministry of Energy Power Division has banned the connection of over a single-phase electricity meter per household.
A directive has been issued on this account in a formal manner to all power distribution companies such as LESCO, FESCO, MEPCO, and others. From July, residential units will be allowed a second single-phase meter only if the additional part of the property has the status of an independent unit.
For a section to be identified as an independent residential unit, it should have its own entrance and exit, exclusive kitchen, and separate electrical circuit. Confirmation of such structural division should be obtained from the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) or respective city development authority.
Where various members of a family reside in separate parts of the same property, every applicant is required to provide an affidavit on Rs50 stamp paper declaring separate residence and satisfaction of the above structural requirements.
The new rule, however, does not cover applicants requesting electricity connections with a load of up to 5 kilowatts. These consumers will rather be handed three-phase meters and shall be exempted from these conditions.
The policy change is precipitated by mounting evidence of large-scale misuse of the government’s electricity subsidy program, which offers financial respite to consumers using less than 200 units monthly.
Agencies have exposed that three or four meters have been installed by some homes within one property to artificially separate electricity consumption and earn multiple subsidies.
Practically, such homes usually use between 700 and 800 units every month, putting a heavy burden on public funds.
