Lahore’s Power Demand Plummets Due to High Electricity Prices and Solar Use: Consumers Face High Winter Bills
The rising cost of electricity and the widespread adoption of solar energy have significantly reduced Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO)’s power demand, leaving consumers with hefty bills even in the winter months.
According to sources within LESCO, the electricity demand in Lahore has dropped to its lowest point, hovering around 1,700 megawatts. During this time of year, demand typically exceeds 5,000 megawatts.
Sources indicate that large industries have either shut down or switched to solar power, and the same trend is being seen among residential consumers, with millions of households now using solar energy.
As a result of reduced electricity consumption, the burden of capacity charges, which are fixed costs related to maintaining the electricity grid, is expected to increase. Consumers will now face hefty bills typically associated with the summer months, even during the cooler winter season.
Energy expert Mohammad Yaseen expressed concern over the sharp decline in electricity demand, calling it a worrisome development. He urged the government to reduce electricity prices immediately.
Yaseen pointed out that if industries begin using more electricity, the demand will rise, but the government has yet to reduce electricity bills, exacerbating the financial burden on consumers.
