A new house needs a meter. A house that has added three ACs and a second floor usually needs more sanctioned load. Both go through LESCO, and both stall when a document or the test report is missing. An electrical contractor who handles these applications regularly prepares the pack, makes the site ready and follows up.
What's included
| Task | What the helper does |
|---|---|
| Load assessment | Lists your appliances and estimates the load you should apply for |
| Single- or three-phase advice | Recommends the connection type for your load |
| Document pack | Collects ownership papers, CNIC, plan approval/NOC, site plan and photos |
| Wiring test report | Tests the wiring and issues the report as an authorised wiring contractor |
| Meter point readiness | Prepares the meter board/position and service route |
| Submission & follow-up | Helps submit the form and tracks survey, payment and installation |
| Internal work | DB and cable upgrades needed for the new load |
When you need it
- New construction — first meter for a new house or plaza.
- Load extension — more ACs, a new floor, an EV charger, a motor or a shop on the ground floor.
- Moving to three-phase — when single-phase can no longer carry the load.
- Your bill flags extra load. NEPRA's manual says that for premises with static/digital meters up to 8 kW, unauthorised load extension is flagged on bills and the consumer is asked to regularise it; if the consumer does not respond, the security deposit is recovered in instalments and the load is extended automatically (NEPRA CSM amendment).
- Load under 5 kW being exceeded. The DISCO is to issue a notice for extension of load and extend it after formalities are completed (clause 7.5.3).
Step-by-step process
- List your load. Every AC, geyser, motor, oven and heavy appliance, plus planned additions.
- Check the wiring and DB. The contractor confirms internal wiring, main cable and DB can safely carry the new load. Upgrade first if they cannot.
- Collect documents. A guide to LESCO's process lists ownership proof (registry, allotment letter or long-term lease), the applicant's CNIC, a recent property tax receipt, building plan approval or NOC from the development authority, a site plan showing the meter location, photographs, the application form and the deposit receipt (Daily Capital). Confirm the current list with your LESCO subdivision.
- Get the test report. NEPRA requires a test report from the Electric Inspector or an authorised wiring contractor before energisation (clause 2.7.2).
- Submit the application at your LESCO subdivision office or through LESCO's online route, then keep the reference number.
- Technical survey. LESCO checks whether the local network and transformer can take the load.
- Pay the demand notice/deposit through the stated channel and keep the receipt.
- Meter installation and energisation.
- Check your first bill shows the correct sanctioned load and tariff.
The same guide reports total timelines of roughly 6–12 weeks in well-served urban areas, longer if line extensions or transformer upgrades are needed (Daily Capital). Treat this as a rough guide, not a LESCO commitment.
Approvals and documents in Lahore
- Ownership: registry, society allotment/transfer letter, or lease.
- Building approval: LDA, DHA or your society's approval or NOC.
- Society NOC: many private societies issue their own electricity NOC or handle the meter on a bulk supply — check with the society office first.
- Test report: from your electrical contractor.
What affects the cost
- LESCO's own charges (deposit and connection charges) depend on load and category and are stated by LESCO during processing. Do not pay anyone who cannot give you an official receipt.
- Whether the local transformer or line needs extension.
- Single-phase vs three-phase.
- Internal upgrades: main cable, DB, breakers, earthing.
- The helper's service fee — usually a fixed fee for paperwork and follow-up, plus testing and any electrical work.
Get the helper's fee in writing, separate from LESCO's charges.
Questions to ask the provider
- Are you an authorised wiring contractor who can sign the test report?
- What load do you recommend and why?
- Does my current wiring and DB need upgrading first?
- Which LESCO charges will I pay directly, and what is your fee?
- How will you keep me updated on the application status?
Red flags
- Promises a meter "in a few days" through contacts.
- Asks you to pay LESCO charges in cash to them instead of through official channels.
- Issues a test report without testing anything.
- Suggests hiding load, using a neighbour's meter, or applying for less load than you use.
FAQs
Bijli ka load barhana kaise hota hai? You apply to LESCO for extension of sanctioned load with your documents and a fresh test report. LESCO surveys, issues charges, and updates the meter or connection.
What happens if I use more load than sanctioned? For meters up to 8 kW, NEPRA's manual says unauthorised load is flagged on the bill and can be regularised; if not, the deposit is recovered in instalments and the load extended automatically (NEPRA).
Can I apply while construction is ongoing? The process guide advises against applying during major construction and says wiring should be completed first (Daily Capital). A temporary connection is a separate application.
Do I need three-phase? It depends on your total load. Your contractor should calculate it; NEPRA also notes that when a single-phase meter's load approaches 5 kW, the consumer is notified and a ToU meter installed.
This page is general information; confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional before you act.