In an unusual turn of events, a resident of Lahore has sought legal recourse against the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) after receiving an exorbitant electricity bill amounting to Rs. 143,000 for a mere 126 units of consumption. The resident has filed a formal complaint with the Lahore High Court, challenging the validity of the bill and seeking justice.
The petition, which names the CEO of LESCO and the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) as respondents, alleges gross mismanagement and negligence on the part of LESCO officials. According to the petitioner, despite numerous attempts to address the issue with LESCO, the company failed to rectify the erroneous bill, compelling him to take the matter to court.
The petition highlights a broader issue affecting many residents in the area: electricity theft. The petitioner claims that a significant number of individuals engage in illegal electricity connections, resulting in substantial line losses for LESCO. Instead of addressing the theft directly, LESCO allegedly passes the financial burden of these losses onto honest, bill-paying consumers.
In his plea to the Lahore High Court, the petitioner has requested a thorough investigation into the billing practices of LESCO. He urges the court to instruct LESCO to correct the erroneous bill and to implement measures to prevent such issues from recurring in the future. The petitioner emphasizes that consumers who regularly pay their bills should not be penalized for the illegal activities of others.
This case underscores a critical issue within the electricity distribution system in the region, where consumers are often left to bear the brunt of inefficiencies and illegal practices. The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for other consumers facing similar issues, highlighting the need for greater accountability and transparency in billing practices.
As the case progresses, it will be closely watched by other residents and stakeholders, hoping for a resolution that ensures fair and accurate billing for all consumers. The petitioner’s move to seek judicial intervention serves as a reminder of the importance of consumer rights and the necessity for utility companies to uphold their responsibilities with integrity and fairness.
