Two Meters Policy in Pakistan – What Every Homeowner Must Know
As a LESCO field officer, I often get questions from the public about the rules for installing more than one electricity meter in a single house. Many people are confused about whether having two meters is legal or not. Let me clear everything for you in simple words.
📢 Is There a Ban on Two Electricity Meters?
No, there is no ban on having two electricity meters in one house. This rumor is false. The Government of Pakistan and the Power Division have already said clearly that it is allowed to apply for a second meter if you meet certain conditions.
What the authorities want to stop is the misuse of electricity subsidies. Some people wrongly install extra meters to get low bills by keeping usage under the protected limit of 200 units. This is not allowed. But if you have a genuine reason and meet the requirements, you can apply for a second electricity meter legally.
✅ Who Can Apply for a Second Electricity Meter?
You can apply for a second electricity meter only if your house is divided into two separate units. That means two families living separately in different portions of the same house.
To be eligible, your house must have:
- 🔹 A separate entrance for each unit
- 🔹 A separate kitchen for each unit
- 🔹 Separate electricity wiring/circuits for each unit
- 🔹 Proper physical separation (walls, doors, etc.)
If these conditions are met, your property is considered as having two independent residential units. In such cases, you can get another meter.
📄 Required Documents for a Second Meter
To apply, you will need:
- Affidavit on Rs. 50 Stamp Paper
You must declare that different families live in separate portions, and both are using separate entrances and facilities. - House Map/Property Layout
This will be verified by the local development authority to check if the structure meets the requirement for two units. - Copy of CNIC
The applicant must provide a valid Computerized National Identity Card. - Ownership or Tenancy Documents
Proof that you own or legally occupy the property.
After submission, a LESCO inspection team will visit your house to confirm the physical separation and check wiring.
⚠️ What Happens if Rules Are Not Followed?
If someone installs two meters in the same house without proper separation, it is considered a violation. Here’s what can happen:
- Extra meters may be disconnected.
- You may have to repay the subsidies you received unfairly in the past 6 months.
- You could also face fines under electricity regulations.
LESCO and other DISCOs (distribution companies) are conducting inspections to catch illegal setups. So, it’s important to follow the rules.
🔍 Why the Government Is Taking Action?
The main goal is to stop people from abusing electricity subsidies. Subsidies are meant to help poor and low-income families who use less than 200 units. But some people install fake meters in one house to keep usage low per meter and get unfair discounts.
This is unjust to honest bill payers and puts pressure on the national electricity system. That’s why the Power Division and NEPRA are working to fix the problem with clear guidelines and field checks.
If you are a MEPCO consumer and want to check your MEPCO Bill, visit this trusted website https://emepcobill.pk/
🏡 What About Joint Family Systems?
In Pakistan, many people live in joint families, especially in big cities like Lahore, Multan, and Karachi. If your joint family lives in a properly divided portion with all the separate facilities, you can still get another meter.
But if the house is not physically separated and used jointly, you should not apply for multiple meters. Instead, focus on energy-saving methods to reduce your monthly bill.
📌 Summary of two Meters Policy
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Question 144_360397-8f> |
Answer 144_a491fe-b8> |
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Is 2-meter setup allowed? 144_280073-6d> |
Yes, if house is divided into separate units with their own entrance and kitchen 144_d82b4e-83> |
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What is not allowed? 144_575109-5f> |
Using extra meters in the same space to misuse subsidy 144_55411f-61> |
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What happens to fake setups? 144_039798-2b> |
Meters may be removed, bills adjusted, or fines charged 144_f5bf8e-da> |
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Who checks compliance? 144_2ca001-5b> |
LESCO, NEPRA, and other distribution companies 144_1d8a41-a2> |
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Is there a new ban on meters? 144_d42aab-a3> |
No, only illegal use is discouraged 144_eea81b-e9> |
💬 Final Words from a LESCO Officer
As someone working in the field every day, I strongly advise citizens to follow the proper rules. If your house is divided and meets the legal conditions, go ahead and apply for a second meter. But don’t try to beat the system.
LESCO is here to help genuine consumers. You can always visit your local sub-division office or call our helpline for any guidance.
Using electricity legally and wisely helps all of us. Let’s be fair, honest, and responsible for a better future.
