Why is my LESCO bill high? 7 Common reasons & solutions

Are you worried about receiving a high LESCO bill this month? Many consumers are surprised when their electricity charges suddenly increase, leaving them confused about the actual cause. A high electricity bill from LESCO may result from increased power usage, hidden appliances, meter issues, or billing errors.

In this guide, we’ll explain the 7 most common reasons for high LESCO bills and provide simple, practical solutions to reduce electricity costs. You’ll also learn how to check your bill online for mistakes, understand your energy consumption, and take steps to avoid unexpected charges in the future.

Seasonal Usage – ACs, Heaters & Fans

Electricity consumption naturally rises in summer (ACs, fridges, fans) and winter (heaters, geysers, blowers).

• Air Conditioners (AC): Can consume 1.5–2 units per hour. Running it for 8 hours = 12–16 units/day.
• Electric Heaters: Consume 1.5–2 kW/hr — a huge increase in winter bills.

Solution:

• Use inverter ACs (consume 40–50% less electricity).
• Use natural ventilation during mild weather.

Insulate rooms to reduce heating/cooling needs.

Faulty Wiring or Appliances

Damaged wiring or old appliances can cause energy leakage (wastage without actual usage).

Example: A leaking refrigerator motor can add hundreds of units per month.

Solution:

• Hire an electrician to check wiring.
• Replace old appliances with energy-efficient (Inverter, Energy Star rated) ones.
• Turn off unused devices completely (don’t leave on standby).

Meter Reading Errors

Sometimes, LESCO staff may enter wrong meter readings or estimate instead of actual reading.

Signs of error:

• Units suddenly double or triple compared to previous months.
• “Estimated Reading” mentioned on the bill.

Solution:

• Compare your current meter reading with the bill.
• If incorrect, file a complaint at LESCO Customer Service or via helpline 118.
• Take photos of your meter as proof.

Hidden Taxes & Charges -FPA, GST, etc.)

Your bill isn’t just electricity usage. It includes multiple taxes and adjustments:

Charge Type	Meaning	Example (PKR)
FPA (Fuel Price Adj.)	Linked to international fuel cost	600
GST (Sales Tax)	Government sales tax	500
TV License Fee	Added to all bills	35
QTR Tariff Adjustment	Quarterly NEPRA adjustment	400
Late Payment Surcharge	Penalty for paying after due date	300

Solution:

• Always pay bills before due date.
• Understand that fuel adjustments vary monthly.
• Compare current bill with past bills to track changes.

Old & Inefficient Appliances

Appliances older than 10 years consume 2x–3x more energy than modern ones.

Examples:

• Old refrigerators = 400–600 units/month.
• New inverter refrigerators = 150–200 units/month.

Solution:

• Upgrade to inverter ACs, LED TVs, efficient fridges.

Use smart plugs/meters to track real-time usage.

Estimated Billing

If LESCO is unable to take a meter reading (e.g., locked premises), they issue an “estimated bill” — usually higher than actual usage.

Solution:

• Submit your own meter reading via LESCO Helpline 118.
• File complaint for correction.

Ask for bill adjustment if overcharged.

Late Payment Surcharge

If you miss the due date, LESCO adds a late payment surcharge (around 10% extra).

Solution:

• Set bill reminders on Easypaisa/JazzCash.
• Pay bills 2–3 days before due date.
• Use auto-debit option in bank apps.

Practical Ways to Reduce LESCO Bill

Here are quick energy-saving tips that can cut your bill by 20–30%:

1. Replace bulbs with LEDs (save 60–70%).
2. Use solar panels for day-time load.
3. Turn off fans, lights, chargers when not in use.
4. Wash clothes in cold water.
5. Iron clothes in bulk, not separately.
6. Use energy-efficient appliances.
7. Monitor daily consumption with a smart meter.

Conclusion

Your LESCO bill may seem high due to seasonal usage, faulty wiring, old appliances, or hidden charges. By checking your bill carefully and applying smart energy-saving habits, you can bring it down significantly.

Pro Tip: Always check your bill online at billlescoonline.pk and pay via Easypaisa/JazzCash to avoid late surcharges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why is my LESCO bill higher this month than last month?

Likely due to seasonal usage (AC/heater), fuel price adjustment (FPA), or an incorrect meter reading.

Q2. How can I check if my bill has errors?

Compare the units on your meter with the units mentioned in your bill. If there’s a mismatch, contact LESCO.

Q3. What should I do if I receive an “estimated bill”?

Contact LESCO, provide your own meter reading, and request a corrected bill.

Q4. Do old appliances really increase bills?

Yes, old refrigerators, ACs, and heaters consume 2–3 times more energy than new inverter appliances.

Q5. Can LESCO adjust my bill if it’s too high?

Yes. If there’s an error or estimated reading, you can file a bill correction request at your nearest office or helpline 118.