Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has launched a new digital measure aimed at recovering outstanding dues from dead defaulters. These individuals have had their electricity connections disconnected due to non-payment, but their bills remain unpaid.
LESCO’s target is to recover approximately Rs33 billion, which has become a massive loss for the company. This initiative is part of LESCO’s digital transformation and financial accountability strategy.
Who are dead defaulters?
Dead defaulters are those consumers whose electricity connections are permanently disconnected due to non-payment of bills for a long time. Their name is removed from the active billing system, but these people are still liable to pay a huge amount to LESCO.
According to LESCO, major losses of the company occur due to this category. Properties have also been seized, but the entire amount has not been recovered till now.
LESCO’s Online Installment Plan
LESCO’s Director of Customer Services Abbas Ali has issued an official letter in which it has been said that now installments will be given to dead defaulters only through the online method.
“An online link will be issued only for dead defaulters, and installments will be provided online only,” reads the directive.
The plan includes:
- Online registration portal for defaulters to apply
- Installment schedules tailored to the amount owed
- Verification through integration with NADRA, banks, and other institutions
- No manual or offline applications allowed
This system will ensure transparency and eliminate the role of middlemen.
Integration with NADRA and Financial Institutions
To ensure identity verification and secure transactions, LESCO’s new system will be digitally connected to NADRA, commercial banks, and other relevant government agencies. This integration will:
- Cross-check the identity of defaulters
- Link payment records with bank accounts
- Prevent re-registration using fake identities
- Enable automated deduction (in the future) for recovered dues
This step is an important step towards bringing a digital revolution in the power sector of Pakistan.
Financial Recovery and Legal Action
In the past few years, Lesco has faced increasing losses due to non-payment of bills. While it has taken such measures.
- Disconnection of supply
- Legal notices
- Property seizures
But the recovery process was slow. Now that the online system is being launched, the company hopes to see a significant improvement in the recovery rate.
Second chance for defaulters
This Lesco plan also provides a second chance for those who do not pay their bills due to genuine financial problems. Now they can pay their bills in easy monthly installments and:
- Spread their dues over manageable monthly installments
- Avoid further legal action or penalties
- Regain eligibility for future connections (in select cases)
But if a user misses an episode, legal action can be resumed.
Expected online application process
The portal is currently under development, but the expected process will be something like this:
- Visit LESCO’s official website
- Click on the “Installments for Dead Defaulters” link
- Enter your CNIC and previous connection reference number.
- View your total outstanding amount
- Choose among the three, six or twelve-month installment plans that are offered.
- Submit a digitally signed e-agreement
- Receive a confirmation with bank details for payment
This process will be updated once LESCO launches the live system.
Why This Matters for Pakistan’s Power Sector
Dead defaulters are not only a problem for Surf Leasco but also for PESCO, MAPCO, and other DISCO companies. Regarding unpaid bills:
- Increased electricity tariffs for paying users
- Frequent load shedding due to fuel shortages
- Reduced investment in infrastructure
This step by LESCO could lead to improvements in the system in the future.
Stay Informed: Check Your Electricity Bill Online
Whether you’re an LESCO, PESCO, or MEPCO consumer, staying updated with your electricity bill is the first step toward avoiding default. You can now use our free online bill checker tool to view or download your monthly electricity bill in seconds.
👉 Click here to check your electricity bill
Our tool is accurate, fast, and supports all major electricity providers in Pakistan.
Final Thoughts
LESCO’s initiative to provide an online installment facility for dead defaulters is a commendable step towards solving the long-standing revenue problem. By digitizing the process, linking it with national institutions, and setting strong guidelines, the company is making payments easier for defaulters while safeguarding public resources.
As this system begins to take shape, both consumers and utility companies must work together to ensure timely payments and responsible usage. In a country where energy is a scarce and expensive resource, fiscal accountability in the power sector is not only essential, it is urgent.