Net Metering by DISCO Pakistan 2026 — LESCO, HESCO, MEPCO, PESCO Compared
Pakistan has 10 electricity distribution companies (DISCOs), and your net metering experience varies significantly depending on which DISCO serves your area. Processing times, documentation requirements, and service quality differ across LESCO, HESCO, MEPCO, PESCO, IESCO, FESCO, QESCO, SEPCO, and others. Here’s the full net metering Pakistan 2026 comparison by DISCO. This guide compares them and gives you practical tips for each.
Pakistan DISCOs — Coverage Map
| DISCO | Coverage Area | Customers | Net Metering Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| LESCO | Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana, Kasur, Okara | ~4.5 million | Active — good volume |
| IESCO | Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum | ~2.1 million | Active — most efficient |
| MEPCO | Multan, Bahawalpur, DG Khan, Sahiwal | ~6.3 million | Active — moderate volume |
| FESCO | Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Toba | ~3.8 million | Active — moderate volume |
| GESCO | Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Hafizabad | ~3.2 million | Active |
| HESCO | Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, interior Sindh | ~2.4 million | Active — slower |
| SEPCO | Sukkur, Larkana, northern Sindh | ~1.9 million | Active — limited |
| PESCO | Peshawar, Mardan, Abbottabad, Swat, KPK | ~3.5 million | Active — slower |
| QESCO | Quetta, Balochistan | ~0.9 million | Limited — slowest |
| TESCO | Tribal areas (erstwhile FATA) | ~0.4 million | Limited |
DISCO-by-DISCO Net Metering Guide
LESCO (Lahore Electric Supply Company)
📍 Best for: Lahore and surrounding areas. LESCO processes the highest volume of net metering applications in Pakistan. Has an online portal at lesco.gov.pk. Processing: 45–75 days. Bidirectional meter cost: ~Rs. 18,000–22,000.
IESCO (Islamabad Electric Supply Company)
📍 Best for: Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Generally the most efficient DISCO for net metering — single-window facilitation available. Processing: 30–60 days. Bidirectional meter: ~Rs. 15,000–20,000. Has online application tracking.
MEPCO (Multan Electric Power Company)
📍 Best for: Southern Punjab. Processing: 60–90 days. Some offices in Multan and Bahawalpur have dedicated solar desks. Rural areas take longer due to less infrastructure. Bidirectional meter: ~Rs. 18,000–25,000.
FESCO (Faisalabad Electric Supply Company)
📍 Best for: Faisalabad division. Good processing for urban Faisalabad. Industrial net metering (for factories) is well established here. Processing: 60–90 days. Bidirectional meter: ~Rs. 18,000–22,000.
HESCO (Hyderabad Electric Supply Company)
📍 Best for: Hyderabad and interior Sindh. Processing is slower due to higher workload and infrastructure constraints. Processing: 90–120 days. Rural areas may take 120–180 days. Recommended: submit application in person at the main office for faster processing.
PESCO (Peshawar Electric Supply Company)
📍 Best for: KPK. Solar adoption in KPK is growing rapidly — PESCO’s net metering department is handling increasing load. Processing: 90–120 days. KPK has strong solar irradiance (high altitude areas especially) making net metering very valuable here.
Documents Required (All DISCOs)
- Completed net metering application form (from your DISCO)
- Copy of CNIC (applicant + property owner if different)
- Latest 3 electricity bills (original + copies)
- Single Line Diagram (prepared by your installer)
- AEDB certification of inverter
- AEDB license of installer
- Property ownership documents or landlord NOC
- Photographs of installed system (roof + inverter + panels)
- Bank account details (for annual surplus buyback)
💡 Speed tip: Submit a complete, well-organized application with all documents in a single folder. Incomplete applications are the #1 cause of delays at every DISCO. Many rejections are simply due to missing documents, not technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which DISCO is fastest for net metering in Pakistan?
IESCO (Islamabad) is generally the fastest, with processing times of 30–60 days and online tracking available. LESCO (Lahore) handles the highest volume efficiently. QESCO (Quetta) and TESCO (tribal areas) are typically the slowest.
❓ Can I check my net metering application status online?
LESCO (lesco.gov.pk) and IESCO have online portals with application tracking. MEPCO and FESCO have partial online facilities. Most other DISCOs require phone or in-person inquiry. Your installer should also be following up on your behalf.
❓ What if my DISCO rejects my net metering application?
DISCOs must provide a written reason for rejection under NEPRA rules. Common rejection reasons: non-AEDB approved inverter, incomplete documents, wiring not meeting standards, or invalid installer license. Fix the specific issue cited and reapply. You can also escalate to NEPRA if you believe the rejection is unjustified.
❓ Is there a deadline to apply for net metering after installing solar?
No formal deadline, but you should apply as soon as your system is installed and operational. Until net metering is approved, your exported power is not credited — so delays in applying mean lost savings. Apply within 2 weeks of installation completion.
🌞 Ready to apply for net metering?
Check panel and inverter prices for your system, or read our full net metering guide.
Full net metering guide → | Today’s panel prices → | All inverter brands →
Sources & references
Tariff, net-metering, and policy details on this page draw on the following official sources. Rates change often, so confirm current figures with the relevant authority or a licensed installer before you decide.
- NEPRA — National Electric Power Regulatory Authority: electricity tariffs and the 2026 shift from net metering to net billing.
- AEDB — Alternative Energy Development Board: solar policy, installer standards, and net-metering guidance.
- Your local distribution company (DISCO) — for example LESCO, K-Electric, IESCO, MEPCO, PESCO or QESCO — for area-specific tariffs and the net-metering application process.
