💰 LESCO Peak Hour Rates & Off-Peak Unit Prices (TOU)
Compare peak vs off-peak unit rates and see why shifting usage reduces your LESCO bill.
📊 Official TOU Electricity Rates
LESCO Peak Hour Rates & Off-Peak Unit Prices 2026: A Complete Guide
Managing electricity costs in Lahore has become a priority for every household and business in 2026. With the implementation of the Time of Use (ToU) billing system, your LESCO online bill is no longer just about how much electricity you use, but when you use it. Understanding the difference between LESCO peak hour rates and off-peak unit prices can help you reduce your monthly expenses by up to 30%.
⏰ LESCO Peak Hours Timings 2026
Peak hours are specific times during the day when the demand for electricity is at its highest across the LESCO grid. To manage this load, NEPRA authorizes higher tariffs during these windows. These timings shift slightly every quarter to align with sunset times.
| Season / Months | Peak Hours (Expensive) | Off-Peak Hours (Cheaper) |
|---|---|---|
| Dec to Feb | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Remaining 20 Hours |
| Mar to May | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Remaining 20 Hours |
| Jun to Aug | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Remaining 20 Hours |
| Sep to Nov | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Remaining 20 Hours |
📊 Residential & Commercial Tariff Breakdown
In 2026, the A1-Residential and A2-Commercial categories are the most affected by Time of Use (ToU) rates. If your sanctioned load is 5kW or higher, you likely have a digital meter that records these two categories separately.
General Supply Tariff (Residential)
- Protected Consumers: Users consuming under 200 units consistently enjoy subsidized rates, but once they cross into the “Non-Protected” category, slab-wise pricing applies.
- Three-Phase Connections: These are mandatory ToU meters. The peak rate in 2026 is significantly higher to discourage the use of Air Conditioners and Motors during the evening.
- Off-Peak Advantage: Running your laundry or water pumps during off-peak hours can save you nearly Rs. 16 per unit.
💡 How to Save Money on Your LESCO Bill
Knowledge of LESCO unit prices is only useful if applied. Here are professional tips to optimize your energy consumption based on the 2026 tariff structure:
- Shift the Heavy Load: Avoid using Electric Irons, Dishwashers, and Water Motors during the 4-hour peak window.
- Smart Air Conditioning: If using an AC during peak hours, set the thermostat to 26°C. Even better, cool the room before peak hours start and use a fan to maintain the temperature during peak time.
- Solar Synchronization: For those with Net Metering, ensure your battery storage (if hybrid) handles the peak hour load so you don’t draw high-priced units from the grid.
- Monitor OBIS Codes: Regularly check Code 04 (Peak) and Code 05 (Off-Peak) on your digital meter to track your daily progress.
📜 Additional Taxes and Surcharges
Your total bill is not just Units × Rate. In 2026, several additional charges are added to the LESCO bill:
- FPA (Fuel Price Adjustment): This varies monthly based on global oil and gas prices.
- QTA (Quarterly Tariff Adjustment): Applied every three months to cover the capacity charges of power plants.
- FC Surcharge: A Financing Cost surcharge of approximately 43 paisa per unit.
- ED & GST: Electricity Duty and General Sales Tax (18%) are applied to the total cost of electricity.
🏁 Conclusion
Staying updated with LESCO Peak and Off-Peak rates is the most effective way to combat rising electricity costs in Pakistan. By simply shifting your heavy appliance usage by a few hours, you can significantly lower your LESCO duplicate bill amounts. For the most accurate and real-time calculation, always refer to the LESCO bill utility available on our homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is peak hour applicable to single-phase meters?
No, usually single-phase residential connections under 5kW follow a flat slab-based tariff rather than peak/off-peak timings.
Q2: Why is my peak hour rate higher than what is on the LESCO website?
The rates mentioned on official schedules often exclude taxes like GST, FPA, and TV fees. The effective rate including taxes is usually higher.