LESCO Recovery at 101%, Historic Drop in Line Losses, Deficit Down to Rs 21 Billion: Awais Leghari

(Digital Itla) The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has shown significant improvement in financial and administrative performance over the past two years, drastically reducing its financial deficit. The company contained its NEPRA-related deficit from Rs 79 billion down to approximately Rs 21 billion, yielding an overall financial benefit of over Rs 58 billion to the national exchequer.

During the same period, LESCO's recovery reached 101.05% for the first time, exceeding the target set by NEPRA, while line losses dropped from 15.8% to 11.86%. A nearly 4% reduction in just two years is being hailed as a major achievement by any power distribution company in Pakistan.

LESCO, the country's largest power distribution company, generates annual revenue exceeding Rs 1 trillion. According to officials, every 1% reduction in line losses results in financial savings of approximately Rs 10 billion, making the recent 4% reduction a milestone in the power sector.

Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari attributed LESCO's success to effective monitoring, transparent accountability, and data-driven decision-making, stating that institutional reforms are yielding positive results. According to him, reformative measures to improve the performance of power distribution companies, curb electricity theft, boost recovery, and decrease line losses will continue seamlessly.

According to the Ministry of Energy, LESCO's improved performance stems from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's vision, effective policymaking, a professional Board of Directors, network modernization, digital systems, constant monitoring, and consumer-friendly reforms, serving as significant progress toward financial stability and reducing circular debt in the power sector.