Lahore Consumers Accuse Power Company of Harassment and Unlawful Disconnections
Consumers in Lahore have voiced strong criticism against the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) for allegedly harassing citizens and unlawfully disconnecting power supplies. These actions are reportedly taken under the guise of recovering outstanding bills. A consumer from Attari Saroba recounted an incident where a Lesco team pressured them to pay their July bill immediately, threatening meter removal and power disconnection despite the due date having just passed and no prior bills being outstanding. The consumer described the officials' behavior as misbehaving and pressuring, ultimately leading them to pay the bill under duress.
Similar complaints have emerged from various areas including Johar Town, Thokar Niaz Beg, Multan Road, and Gulberg, with residents describing the Lesco teams' tactics as "simply harassment." The Lahore commissioner's office has acknowledged these grievances and scheduled a meeting with senior Lesco officials for Tuesday, July 14, to address the issue. Assistant Commissioner Saleem Aasi confirmed that some meters in Lahore GOR-1 were removed without prior notice or information, criticizing the officials' conduct. Lesco's Chief Executive Officer, Ramzan Butt, stated that consumers failing to pay even a single month's bill are now considered defaulters, a policy shift from the previous practice of cutting power only after two consecutive months of non-payment. He denied widespread harassment but pledged to investigate and take action against any officials found engaging in such practices.
This situation highlights a potential disconnect between Lesco's operational policies and consumer rights, particularly concerning bill recovery practices. The shift in defining a 'defaulter' to include single-month non-payment, as stated by the CEO, may be a response to financial pressures or revenue targets. However, the alleged aggressive tactics and lack of due process, such as meter removal without notice, raise concerns about governance and adherence to established legal frameworks for utility services. The intervention by the Lahore commissioner's office suggests a recognition of systemic issues that could impact public trust and utility accessibility. Moving forward, Lesco might consider implementing clearer communication protocols, phased recovery strategies, and robust grievance redressal mechanisms to balance financial objectives with consumer welfare and legal compliance, especially in an era where essential services are increasingly scrutinized for fairness and equity.
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