Detection Bill – Understanding the Truth Behind It
A detection bill is an extra electricity bill issued by LESCO or WAPDA when a consumer uses electricity that is not properly recorded by the meter due to faults, slowness or illegal use. It covers the loss of unrecorded consumption and is calculated based on load, time period and tariff. According to LESCO policy, you can review or dispute the bill if it’s issued wrongly. To check or estimate your electricity bill easily, visit elescobill.com a free online tool for LESCO users in Lahore, Pakistan.
As a LESCO field officer, I have seen many people confused and upset when they receive an extra bill. Most consumers don’t know why this bill is issued or what it really means. In this article, I’ll explain everything in very simple words, based on my real field experience. This will help you understand the policy for this type of bill, how it works and what you can do if you ever get one.
What is a Detection Bill?
It is an extra electricity bill issued by WAPDA or any power distribution company like LESCO, MEPCO, GEPCO or IESCO when they find that a consumer has used electricity without proper recording in the meter.
It can happen in many cases for example:
- If a consumer uses direct wire (kunda connection).
- If the electric meter is found slow or tampered.
- If the meter is stopped or broken but electricity is still being used.
- Or when load is higher than what is allowed on the connection.
In simple words, a it is a recovery bill that the company issues to cover the loss of electricity that was used but not paid for.

Detection Bill Meaning in Urdu
Bijli ka wo bill jo company tab deti hai jab koi faraud, meter ki kharabi ya bijli chori pakri jaye.
(بجلی کا وہ بل جو کمپنی تب دیتی ہے جب کوئی فراڈ، میٹر کی خرابی، یا بجلی چوری پکڑی جائے۔)
Why LESCO or WAPDA Issues a D Bill
From my field experience, I can say that LESCO doesn’t issue a this bill without reason. There are proper rules and steps that every officer has to follow. Common reasons include:
|
Reason 798_bd5727-c2> |
Explanation 798_3b930e-fc> |
|---|---|
|
Direct Hooking 798_dabf33-5d> |
When electricity is taken directly from the main line. 798_057dbd-0c> |
|
Meter Slowness 798_d75619-b2> |
When the meter records less than actual units. 798_5d3133-73> |
|
Broken or Stuck Meter 798_d65f4c-66> |
If the meter stops recording consumption. 798_b5549b-c9> |
|
Unauthorized Load 798_884f0b-24> |
When usage exceeds sanctioned load without permission. 798_70fc97-22> |
|
Meter Tampering 798_4d98cd-15> |
If someone changes meter reading mechanism to pay less. 798_7ab230-cf> |
All such cases are verified by the LESCO field team before the penality bill is prepared.
Detection Bill Policy LESCO
LESCO follows WAPDA detection bill policy which applies to all distribution companies. According to this policy:
- This bill is calculated for up to 6 months depending on the nature of irregularity.
- The load and consumption are compared with normal usage patterns.
- The report is approved by an XEN or SDO after field verification.
- A notice is issued to the consumer before billing.
- The consumer has the right to appeal or review the bill.
This policy is made to recover the loss caused to the electricity company and discourage power theft.
How This Bill is Calculated
LESCO uses a standard method to calculate this type of bill. The formula depends on the type of irregularity, but generally includes:
- Connected Load (kW) × Average Units per kW × Days of Detection Period
- Then multiply by the applicable tariff rate.
For example:
If the load is 2 kW, detection period is 180 days and average usage is 2.5 units per kW per day
then total units = 2 × 2.5 × 180 = 900 units.
LESCO multiplies these 900 units by your per-unit rate to make the d bill amount.This process ensures fairness and follows LESCO d bill policy guidelines.

What Happens After You Receive Such Bill
Once it is issued:
- A notice is delivered to your address.
- You can visit your local LESCO office to review the report.
- If you think the bill is wrong, you can apply for review or revision.
- The concerned SDO or XEN will verify the details again.
If it’s confirmed that the bill is correct, it becomes part of your payable amount. Ignoring it may lead to disconnection or legal notice.
Can You Dispute or Appeal?
Yes, absolutely. Every consumer has the right to dispute such bill.
You can:
- Visit your nearest LESCO subdivision office.
- Submit an application for bill review within 7 days.
- Attach your old bills, CNIC copy and written request.
- The review committee will check your case and decide accordingly.
If you are not satisfied you can further appeal to the Superintending Engineer (SE) or Chief Executive Officer (LESCO).

In many cases genuine consumers have got relief when their meter fault was not their mistake.
My Honest Advice as a LESCO Field Officer
I always tell people don’t panic when you get an extra bill. First of all understand why it was issued. Most of the time it happens because of meter slowness or technical issues not theft.
To avoid this bill:
- Check your meter reading every month.
- Keep your load within limit.
- Never allow anyone to interfere with your meter.
- If you notice your meter is slow or faulty, report it immediately to LESCO.
It’s better to stay transparent rather than facing a big bill later.
How to Check or Pay Electricity Bill Online
You can check your LESCO bill online easily at my website:
👉 elescobill.com
Here you can:
- Enter your reference number to check your current bill
- Use our LESCO Bill Calculator to estimate charges
- Print or download your bill for payment
It’s 100% free and works for all LESCO consumers in Lahore and nearby areas.
Final Thoughts
From my 8 years of experience in LESCO, I’ve seen that most detection bills are avoidable if we follow simple steps, use electricity honestly, report faults early and keep our load within limit. This policy is not meant to punish honest consumers but to make sure everyone pays for what they use.
So next time if you get such type of bill don’t worry. Just understand the reason, visit your local office and resolve it politely. And if you want to check or calculate your bill anytime, visit elescobill.com it’s quick, free and made for you. Still have a question, contact us, we feel happy to help you.
