LESCO Audit Reveals Overbilling and More Irregularities Worth Billions

The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) audit for fiscal year 2023-2024 revealed significant financial irregularities totaling Rs. 38.62 billion. The audit highlighted issues such as over-billing, discrepancies in construction projects, and revenue losses. According to the report, LESCO’s over-billing has led to an extra collection of Rs. 10.95 billion from customers over the past year. The report also uncovered financial irregularities amounting to Rs. 36.8 billion across various construction projects due to poor management and inadequate oversight. The audit revealed that LESCO faced losses surpassing Rs. 8 billion due to line inefficiencies and feeder-related losses. Furthermore, over Rs. 13 billion in refunds were issued due to inaccurate meter readings in the LESCO Eastern Circle. It further shows that more than Rs. 4 billion in revenue is outstanding from defaulting consumers. The report also points out that Rs. 340 million were collected in unauthorized surcharges associated with the Neelum Jhelum project. Moreover, government departments were exempted from paying Rs. 660 million in late fees. In response to the audit findings, a LESCO spokesperson stated that the company performs audits in line with legal standards. The spokesperson emphasized LESCO’s commitment to addressing any irregularities found and assured that steps are being taken to correct the issues highlighted in the report.