LESCO Load Shedding

LESCO Load Shedding Schedule

The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) uses load shedding (also called load management) to turn off electricity in certain areas for short periods.
Why? To make sure the whole grid doesn’t get overloaded and cause a full blackout!

LESCO Load Shedding

Good news: LESCO shares the load shedding schedule

LESCO shares the load shedding schedule in advance

🌍Their official website: www.lesco.gov.pk

📱 LESCO Mobile App

đź’¬ SMS Alerts

You can check your outage time by entering your feeder code online or sending it to 8118.
If your power doesn’t come back on time, just call 118 for help!

You you check and download your latest Lesco bill.

Why Does Load Shedding Happen?

There are a few main reasons why LESCO needs to cut the power sometimes:

1. High Line Losses and Electricity Theft

In areas where a lot of electricity is stolen or wasted, LESCO does more load shedding to control losses.

2. Technical Faults and Maintenance

Sometimes transformers break or wires get damaged. LESCO cuts power temporarily to fix things safely.

3. Fuel Shortages

  • Even if there’s enough equipment, power plants can’t run properly without enough fuel like gas or oil.

4. Circular Debt

  • When power companies don’t get paid properly, they can’t buy enough fuel or fix equipment fast enough.

5. Old Equipment

  • Some power lines and transformers are very old and need repairs. Without load shedding, they could break down completely.

6. Seasonal Demand

  • During very hot weather, when everyone uses air conditioners, demand rises and power cuts happen to balance the system.

Plan Your Day Without Surprises!

Problem:
Unplanned power cuts can ruin your day! Imagine missing your homework, your food going bad, or your shop closing early.
Solution:
Now, LESCO gives you an early warning through schedules, SMS alerts, and a mobile app so you can prepare!

Important News from LESCO!

The Managing Director of LESCO said:
“No more unscheduled load shedding allowed! All shutdowns must follow the published schedule.”
That means no more surprise power cuts!

Why Load Shedding Happens

ReasonWhat Happens
High DemandVery hot days = more ACs = not enough power.
Circular DebtPower companies can’t buy enough fuel.
Old LinesElectricity gets wasted due to broken lines and theft.
Fuel ShortagesDelays in importing gas or oil lower production.
Aging EquipmentOld transformers break easily.
Climate ProblemsLess water for hydropower; floods damage wires.

Historical & Statistical Snapshot

YearDemand (MW)Supply (MW)Supply (MW)
20225,5003,5002000
2023580041001700
2024600043001700

Note: Shortfalls around 1,500–2,000 MW lead to up to 8 hours of daily cuts in peak season.

Power outage during the Monsoon

During the monsoon season, the LESCO team focuses on the rapid response and frequent restoration of power outages. LESCO has expert teams on high alert and prioritizes fixing tripped feeders caused by rain. While some LESCO areas may experience temporary disruptions during the heavy rainfall conditions, LESCO works to minimize the impact and restore power as quickly as possible. 

New Ways to check your Schedule

  • Official Website
    Visit: https://www.lesco.gov.pk/ShutdownSchedule
  • SMS Alerts
    Send LESCO [space] YourFeederCode to 8118 to get your area’s timings.
  • Mobile App
  • Download “LESCO” from Google Play or the App Store for push notifications.

How to Read & Use the Schedule

  • Find Your Feeder Code on your bill (e.g., LAH-24-013).
  • Go Online or SMS (see section 6).
  • View or Download the PDF/CSV.
  • Match Your Code to the listed hours and prepare in advance!

Sample Schedule Table

DivisionSub-DivisionFeeder CodeOutage Time (Morning)Outage Time (Evening)
LahoreModel TownLAH-01-0058:00 AM – 12:00 PM4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
LahoreGulbergLAH-02-0119:00 AM – 1:00 PM5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Feeder Categories & Stages

Categories by AT&C Loss (out of 2,221 feeders)

CategoryLine Loss (%)Load Shedding Hours/Day
A0 – 10%0
B10 – 20%0
C20 – 30%3
DAbove 30%6 – 8

Stage-Wise Plan

StageTime BlockApplies To Feeders…
I8:00 AM – 12:00 PMHigh-loss (C & D) rotating
II2:00 PM – 6:00 PMHigh-loss (C & D) rotating
III7:00 PM – 10:00 PMEmergency or maintenance only

Persuasive Tips to Stay Powered

  • Charge Devices Early: Fill your phone, laptop, and power bank.
  • Use Energy-Saving Lights: LEDs draw less power when it’s on.
  • Install Solar or UPS: Small solar kits or UPS systems can keep essentials running.
  • Store Water: If you rely on an electric pump, keep extra water ready.
  • Stay Informed: Enable SMS/app alerts so you’re never caught off-guard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Scheduled power cuts to balance supply & demand.

Visit the shutdown page, send SMS to 8118, or use the LESCO app.

High AT&C losses (theft, theft, unpaid bills) lead to more load shedding.

Pay bills on time, report theft, and support community loss-reduction measures.

Generally avoided, but may occur in emergencies (Stage III).

Call LESCO helpline 118 or lodge an online complaint.

Format: DIV-SUB-XXX (e.g., LAH-02-011 means Lahore Division, Sub-division 02, Feeder 011).