LESCO Installment Policy Ends: Consumers Face New Trouble in 2025. If you’re wondering “Has LESCO really stopped installments on monthly electricity bills?” the answer is yes.
In 2025, LESCO has officially ended the installment facility on current bills, allowing installments only on old arrears. This sudden policy shift has created uncertainty among millions of consumers across Lahore.
In this detailed guide, we break down everything you need to know the reason behind the decision, NEPRA rules, penalties, recovery plans, and what it means for household and business users.
LESCO Ends Installments on Monthly Bills — What Really Happened?
The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has abolished the installment option on fresh monthly electricity bills as part of a massive recovery campaign targeting:
- defaulting domestic users
- commercial consumers
- industrial units
- government departments
According to internal sources, the company will now only allow installments on previous pending arrears, not on current bills.
Why Has LESCO Suspended the Installment Option?
LESCO’s senior officials report several reasons:
- Rising default rates in the Lahore region
- Recovery targets not being met
- Huge outstanding dues from both private and government sectors
- Pressure from the Power Division to improve cash flow
This move is part of a larger nationwide electricity recovery initiative.
What NEPRA Says About Bill Installments
Normally, NEPRA (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority) allows:
- Two installments per year on consumer request
- Flexible solutions for genuine hardship cases
But LESCO has temporarily overridden this flexibility to meet recovery goals.
Is This NEPRA Violation?
Not exactly.
Power distribution companies (DISCOs) like LESCO can temporarily suspend installment facilities during high-default periods under emergency recovery rules.
Impact on Consumers — What This Means for You
Ending installments on current bills is bad news for most consumers because:
- Electricity bills have already increased due to fuel adjustments
- Salaried households depend on installments for relief
- Small businesses face cash-flow challenges
- Government offices with delayed budgets struggle with payments
Below is a quick impact table:
LESCO Installment Ban (2025)
| Consumer Type | Old System (Before 2025) | New System (2025 Change) |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Users | Installments on current bill allowed | No installments allowed |
| Commercial Users | Flexible relief options | Full payment required |
| Government Departments | Relaxation available | Strict recovery orders |
| Industrial Consumers | Payment plans available | Immediate payment mandatory |
| Defaulters | Notice + installments | Fast disconnection |
Disconnections on Non-Payment — LESCO Gets Strict
LESCO officials confirmed that teams have been actively disconnecting power connections for users who fail to pay their current bills.
When Will Electricity Connection Be Restored?
Power will only be restored after:
- Full payment of the current bill
- Payment of all outstanding dues
- Recording of payment in the LESCO system
Partial payments will not be accepted for reconnection.
Can You Still Get Any Type of Installment?
Yes — but only on old arrears.
LESCO is still allowing:
- 1 to 3 installments on previous dues
- Case-by-case hardship consideration
- Industrial installment plans under written agreements
Who Qualifies for Arrear Installments?
You may qualify if:
- Your arrears are older than 30 days
- You have no pending theft case
- You have not defaulted on previous installment plans
Why Consumers Are Calling It “Bad News”
Rising Bills + No Installments = Extra Burden
Electricity bills have already increased due to:
- Fuel price adjustments
- Quarterly tariff adjustments
- Revised base tariff
- Fixed charges
- Government taxes
Without installment relief, consumers will face:
- Higher monthly out-of-pocket expenses
- Difficulty in managing household budgets
- Risk of disconnections
Expert Analysis — What Happens Next?
Industry analysts predict three outcomes:
1. Faster Recoveries for LESCO
Stopping installment facilities pushes consumers to pay on time.
2. More Consumer Complaints
Timely payments may increase, but customer dissatisfaction will also rise.
3. Policy May Be Reversed Later
If LESCO meets its targets, installment options might return as:
- Election-year relief
- Public pressure outcome
- Rebalancing strategy
What Consumers Should Do Now (Practical Tips)
1. Pay Current Bills Before Due Date
Avoid surcharges and risk of disconnection.
2. Apply for Arrear Installments Early
Visit your nearest sub-division office.
3. Use Mobile Apps
LESCO App and banking apps help track bills easily.
4. Reduce Power Consumption
Small changes = lower bills.
5. Keep Payment Receipts
Especially if you pay via mobile channels.
FAQs
Has LESCO stopped bill installments in 2025?
Yes. LESCO has stopped installments on current monthly bills but continues offering installments on old arrears.
Why did LESCO suspend monthly bill installments?
Because of rising defaults and a strict recovery campaign targeting overdue payments.
Can I get installment on my current electricity bill?
No. Only arrears (old outstanding dues) are eligible for installments.
Will LESCO restore installments later?
Possibly — depending on recovery results and policy decisions.
What happens if I don’t pay my monthly bill?
LESCO will disconnect your connection and restore it only after full payment.
Conclusion
LESCO’s decision to end installments on monthly electricity bills has created serious challenges for Lahore consumers. With rising tariffs and strict recovery rules, paying bills on time has become crucial for households and businesses alike.
