Latest news with #LESCO
Express Tribune
09-08-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Heavy rain disrupts power supply
Despite court orders, Lesco has continued the construction of the grid inside the housing scheme. PHOTO: EXPRESS The sixth spell of the ongoing monsoon season brought an hour of torrential rain to Lahore on Saturday, flooding streets and disrupting the city's power supply. The downpour affected more than 120 feeders of the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), leaving several neighbourhoods without electricity for hours. According to LESCO, the outages were caused by feeder tripping and other technical faults. Affected areas included the Township, Green Town, Samanabad, Gulshan Ravi, Qila Gujjar Singh, Shahdara, Imamia Colony, Shalimar, Baghbanpura, Harbanspura, Garhi Shahu, Mughalpura, and Bhati Gate, as well as several parts of the Walled City. Complaints of transformer damage also increased, leading to prolonged outages in some neighbourhoods. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) reported that 65 millimetres of rain was recorded at Pani Wala Talab between 1:35pm and 2:35pm, inundating low-lying areas. Gulberg and Lakshmi Chowk received 58mm, Nishtar Town and Chowk Nakhuda 57mm, Farrukhabad 70mm, Gulshan Ravi 19 mm, Iqbal Town 39mm, Samanabad 37mm, Johar Town 34mm, and Qurtaba Chowk 23mm. The heaviest rainfall during the day was recorded at Pani Wala Talab at 77mm, followed by Lakshmi Chowk at 74mm. Upper Mall received 7mm of rainfall. Rainwater accumulated on major thoroughfares, including Mall Road, Jail Road, Canal Road, and at intersections such as Lakshmi Chowk, Davis Road, Empress Road, and Haji Camp. Model Town, Kot Lakhpat, Peco Road, Township, Green Town, Factory Area, Muslim Town, and Garden Town also experienced waterlogging. The downpour forced the postponement of the Independence Day Family Fun Race scheduled for the evening at Nishtar Park Sports Complex. Organisers cited water accumulation at the venue as the reason. The Pakistan Meteorological Department announced that a seasonal low persists over northern Balochistan, with moist currents from the Arabian Sea reaching the upper parts of the country. A fresh westerly trough is also affecting the northern areas. Hot and humid conditions are expected to continue across most of the country on Sunday, with rain, wind, and thundershowers likely in northeastern Punjab, Potohar region, Islamabad, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and nearby hilly areas. Over the past 24 hours, hot and humid weather prevailed in most regions, with isolated rainfall reported in parts of Punjab. Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza inspected drainage operations at Chowburji and reviewed WASA's response to monsoon rains. He directed WASA teams to expedite water removal from low-lying areas while ensuring minimal disruption for residents. He instructed all departments to remain on high alert and maintain close coordination to prevent water accumulation, particularly at vulnerable locations. Public advisories were also issued, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, stay clear of electric poles and hanging wires, and drive cautiously in waterlogged streets. The DC said timely interventions and a comprehensive strategy to permanently address water accumulation were helping the administration maintain smoother traffic flow and safer public spaces during the ongoing monsoon season. The deputy commissioner also inspected anti-dengue operations in Raiwind, praising the health department for reducing larvae through consistent fieldwork. He ordered spraying in affected homes and nearby houses, with strict daily monitoring of high-risk sites. The DC warned against negligence, stressing the administration's commitment to providing a dengue-free environment in Lahore. With additional input from APP
Business Recorder
05-08-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Dead defaulters: LESCO to provide installment facility
LAHORE: The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has decided to recover dues worth billions of rupees by providing installment facility to dead defaulters. A letter has been issued for the recovery of Rs33 billion in installments from defaulters. Despite the disconnection, it may be noted, the defaulters have not paid the dues. Accordingly, Director Customer Services Abbas Ali sent a letter for online installments. According to the issued letter, an online link should be issued for recovery from dead defaulters, and only online installments will be provided to the consumers. It was directed to connect the online link to banks, NADRA and other institutions. Billions of rupees of LESCO were lost due to disconnection of consumers' connections. It was decided to provide installments for recovery of billions of rupees. LESCO has disconnected the connections of dead defaulters and taken possession of their properties. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
19-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Anti-competitive practices in power sector: CCP raids on offices of four companies suspected of bid rigging in tenders
ISLAMABAD: In a major enforcement action to curb anti-competitive practices in the power sector, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) conducted simultaneous raids on the offices of four companies suspected of bid rigging in tenders for the supply of transformer reclamation material to power distribution companies (DISCOs). The coordinated raids were carried out by CCP's authorised officers in Lahore and Gujranwala, targeting suppliers who are alleged to have colluded in manipulating the bidding process. These companies were found to be quoting identical prices and engaging in tender rotation — a classic hallmark of cartel behaviour. The action follows a formal complaint lodged by the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO), which observed suspicious bidding patterns in recent procurement cycles. LESCO reported that multiple firms submitted bids with identical rates for various items, raising red flags regarding possible collusion. In response, the CCP initiated a formal enquiry under Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2010, which prohibits agreements that restrict competition, including bid rigging under Section 4(2)(e). A preliminary analysis of the bidding data revealed that certain companies appeared to be coordinating their bids to ensure pre-determined outcomes in tender awards. In some cases, these suppliers were found rotating their wins while maintaining price parity, thereby undermining the competitive tendering process and harming public procurement efficiency. This is not the first time CCP has uncovered such practices in the transformer materials market. In 2020, the Commission concluded a similar enquiry involving bid rigging by multiple vendors supplying transformer bushings and reclamation items to DISCOs, including LESCO, MEPCO, and GEPCO. In that case, CCP found collusion among at least five firms, and imposed significant penalties. The recurrence of such practices underscores systemic vulnerabilities in the public procurement mechanisms of the power sector and the need for stronger oversight by procuring agencies. If the ongoing investigation confirms collusive conduct, the Commission is empowered to issue show-cause notices to the implicated firms and proceed with hearings. Upon establishing contravention, CCP may impose penalties of up to 10% of annual turnover or PKR 75 million, whichever is higher. In addition, the Commission can recommend structural or behavioural remedies to prevent recurrence and restore market integrity. The CCP has urged the public, including procurement officers, business insiders, and concerned citizens, to come forward with credible information about cartelization or bid rigging. The Commission's Whistleblower Reward Scheme offers cash rewards ranging from PKR 200,000 to PKR 2 million, based on the quality and value of the information provided. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Climate
- Business Recorder
Punjab activates monsoon emergency plan as heavy rain lashes Lahore
LAHORE: A powerful thunderstorm accompanied by torrential rain swept through Lahore and its surrounding areas, finally bringing relief from the intense humidity that had gripped the region. The storm hit several key areas of the city including Shimla Pahari, Abbott Road, Davis Road, Mall Road, Shadman, Gulberg, Scheme Moor, Mughalpura, Dharampura, Airport, Muslim Town, Allama Iqbal Town, Wahdat Road, Mustafa Town, and Yateem Khana, making the weather significantly pleasant. However, the severe weather conditions also disrupted the power supply as strong winds and rain affected the electricity transmission system. As many as 178 LESCO feeders tripped, leaving numerous areas without electricity. In response to the monsoon challenges, the Punjab government has initiated the implementation of its monsoon emergency plan. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered real-time updates on the plan's execution and instructed the establishment of District Emergency Operation Centers in every district, which will remain operational 24/7. According to the Punjab government spokesperson, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued detailed safety protocols to prevent accidents and damages. The Chief Minister also directed local administrations to identify dangerous buildings and urged residents of dilapidated homes to relocate to safer locations as a precaution. Maryam Nawaz emphasized full preparedness of all Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, rescue teams, and other departments. She appealed to the public to strictly follow safety guidelines during the rainy season, reiterating that protecting lives was the government's top priority. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a countrywide alert forecasting heavy rainfall.
Business Recorder
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
LESCO launches major initiative to curb power theft
LAHORE: The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has embarked on a massive project to curb electricity theft using advanced software and smart metering technology. As part of the initiative, the LESCO has ordered the replacement of billing meters for 2,200 industrial consumers. The company has begun installing smart meters to detect and prevent electricity theft. The smart meters will send signals to the control room in case of any tampering or theft attempt, enabling the LESCO to take prompt action. Key Features included real-time monitoring, remote disconnection, and improved billing. Under this arrangement, smart meters will enable real-time monitoring of electricity consumption, allowing the LESCO to detect any anomalies or theft attempts. In case of non-payment of bills, the control room can remotely disconnect the consumer's electricity supply. Smart meters will ensure accurate billing, reducing disputes and revenue losses. The installation of smart meters has begun in LESCO's Northern and Eastern circles. Chief Engineer Design Nisar Sarwar has been tasked with overseeing the project and meeting the targets. The smart metering solution is expected to significantly reduce electricity theft, improve billing efficiency, and enhance revenue collection. It will also enable LESCO to provide better services to its consumers and improve the overall quality of electricity supply. By adopting advanced technology, the LESCO is taking a proactive approach to tackle electricity theft and improve its operations. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the company's revenue and overall performance. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
