Bluetooth device used to manipulate electricity meter in Lahore

The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has uncovered several cases of electricity theft involving advanced methods during its ongoing anti-power theft campaign in the Eastern Circle.

Lahore: The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has uncovered several cases of electricity theft involving advanced methods during its ongoing anti-power theft campaign in the Eastern Circle. Officials say the latest discoveries highlight the increasing sophistication of illegal electricity consumption practices.

According to a spokesperson for LESCO, special operations were carried out in multiple areas under the supervision of Eastern Circle Superintendent Engineer Umar Bilal. During these inspections, authorities identified a number of violations, including direct power theft and meter tampering.

One of the major cases was detected in the Mahmood Booti Sub-Division, where an illegal direct electricity connection was found at Gujjar Dairy Milk. Investigators discovered that power was being supplied directly through the main cable, bypassing the official metering system. The site was reportedly operating multiple high-power electrical appliances, including chillers, freezers, air conditioners, and other heavy electrical equipment.

In another significant case, officials found a tampered electricity meter belonging to a consumer identified as Farooq in the Baghbanpura Sub-Division. According to LESCO, the meter had been modified and was being controlled through a Bluetooth-enabled device, allowing unauthorized manipulation of electricity consumption records.

LESCO teams documented the violations and initiated legal proceedings against those involved. Detection bills are being issued to recover losses caused by electricity theft, while the process of registering First Information Reports (FIRs) has also been started.

The discovery of a Bluetooth-controlled meter has raised concerns about the use of modern technology in facilitating electricity theft. Utility officials believe such methods not only cause significant financial losses to power companies but also place an additional burden on honest consumers who pay their electricity bills regularly.

LESCO Chief Executive Officer Engineer Muhammad Ramzan Butt reaffirmed the company’s commitment to eliminating electricity theft across its service areas. He stated that strict legal action would be taken against individuals involved in power theft and meter tampering, regardless of their status or influence.

Officials emphasized that the anti-theft campaign will continue without discrimination, targeting all forms of illegal electricity usage. The company has urged consumers to comply with electricity regulations and report suspicious activities to help protect national resources and reduce financial losses to the power sector.

The ongoing crackdown is part of broader efforts to improve energy management, enhance revenue collection, and ensure a fair distribution of electricity across the region.