Faulty Meter Readings: Is your IESCO meter overcharging?

Both analog and digital IESCO meters can stop giving correct readings over time. Analog meters slip and sometimes get stuck, while digital meters may have a software or sensor error due to voltage surge.

If your electricity usage is constant but the bill has suddenly doubled, then this can be a sign of a faulty meter. Many users complain that the meter keeps taking readings even during off hours, when the appliances are switched off.

You can check this with a simple test  fridge test. Switch off everything at night and keep only the fridge on. If the meter is spinning at an abnormal speed, there is definitely something wrong.

In such a case, give a written complaint to IESCO and make a written request to get the meter checked. If they do not cooperate, help can also be taken from NEPRA or ombudsman.

Here you can Calculate you LECSO bill In Pakistan In 2025

Estimated Billing: Are you paying the bill for the electricity that you have not used?

Many times IESCO does not collect the meter reading and in this situation it generates estimated billing. This bill is usually based on the usage or average of the previous month, which may actually be more than your usage.

Many people are on vacations or their appliances are not working, but still the bill comes full. This happens because the meter reader did not visit and the system generated an auto-estimate.

If you feel that your bill is unjustified, go to the IESCO office and compare the picture of the meter with the previous bill. Fill the form and request for adjustment.

Complaint can also be filed online. If no response is received for 15 days, you can escalate the complaint through NEPRA portal or pakbills site.

Also learn about How to Reduce IESCO Bill in 2025

High Electricity Tariffs: Has IESCO increased the rates?

In 2025, NEPRA has increased the unit prices of electricity significantly. According to IESCO slabs, if you cross 200 units, the rate of each unit increases dramatically.

Due to this slab system, even a slight increase in usage can double the bill. For example, excessive use of AC, iron, or geyser takes you to a higher slab, where the per-unit cost can be up to Rs. 35.

Many people think that their bill is according to their usage, but in reality they are paying extra because of slab penalty. This problem is more during summers.

If we compare with LESCO or K-Electric, IESCO has similar rates, but billing behaviour seems more aggressive. It is important to understand the slab impact by using your bill calculator.

Power Theft & Line Losses: Are you paying for someone else's electricity?

Line losses and electricity theft are common in some of IESCO feeders. When there are illegal connections (kundas) in any area, their loss is distributed in the bills of registered consumers of that area.

Meaning, even if you are using electricity illegally, you may have to pay the bills of those who are stealing it. This is unfair, but unfortunately it happens.

If you suspect that there are illegal connections in your area, you can give an anonymous complaint on the IESCO helpline (118) or website. Provide proof in the form of photos or videos.

IESCO has started some campaigns to control line losses, but the results are still mixed. Till there is public cooperation, the bills of genuine users will continue to be paid, If you find any issue then you can contact WAPDA helpline

Seasonal Appliances: Is your AC or Geyser bill getting paid?

Some appliances consume a lot of electricity in summer or winter – like air conditioner, geyser, old refrigerator or water motor. Their usage directly affects your bill.

An old 1.5 ton AC can consume 4–5 units every hour. If it runs for 8 hours daily, your monthly bill can easily cross Rs. 20,000.

Inverter appliances, like inverter ACs and inverter refrigerators, save up to 30–40% energy. Your first investment will be more but it gets recovered quickly in monthly savings.

Also, avoid heavy load appliances during peak hours (6pm–10pm). Run your washing machine or iron in the morning or at night, you will feel the difference.

Voltage Fluctuations & Surges: Is low voltage increasing your bill?

Low voltage or high surges have a direct impact on your appliances. When voltage drops, motors draw more current,  causing units to run out.

Pumps, fans and AC compressors overwork due to this voltage instability. Your meter counts units, but performance is low  and the result is an inflated bill.

Using surge protectors and automatic voltage stabilizers gives you some control. These devices also protect sensitive equipment, and optimize overall usage.

IESCO is responsible for providing stable voltage, but despite complaints, the issue of fluctuation in many sectors is a part of daily routine.

 How to Fight Back: Proven Ways to Reduce Bill

If you feel that your bill is wrong, keeping quiet is not the solution. First of all, start recording the daily reading of your meter. Compare it with the bill of every month.

Go to IESCO website or office and file a complaint. Take the photos of the meter, last month's bill and CNIC copy. Do not forget to take the diary number - this will be the proof that you had officially reported.

For long-term solution, installing a solar system is the best. Hybrid solar panels reduce grid dependency by 60–80%. Some electric subsidy and schemes are also available from the government.

If IESCO does not reply, you can take legal action through NEPRA, Wafaqi Mohtasib or look billing guideline at  Pakbills platform. It is important to raise your voice, otherwise unfair billing will become routine.