Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) is a Pakistani government-owned electric distribution company. It is based in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
The company was founded in 1912 by Lala Harkishen Lal.[1] It supplies electricity to the districts of Lahore, Okara, Sheikhupura, Nankana and Kasur in Pakistan.[2][3] It is owned by the Government of Pakistan.
History
The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) was established in February 1912 by industrialist Lala Harkishen Lal with an initial capital of Rs 5 lakh.[1] Lala Harkishen Lal also served as its first chairman. At that time, it was based in McLeod-Cooper Road, Lahore.[1] In its early years, LESCO expanded its services to 12 towns in various provinces such as the Central Provinces, the United Provinces, Sindh, and the North-West Frontier Province, making it the largest power generator outside the Government Electric Supply Branch by 1941.[1] However, starting from a conflict with the Punjab Government in May 1934, the company faced a series of challenges.[1] The implementation of the Punjab Electricity (Emergency Powers) Act, 1941, further contributed to its decline.[1]
By 1942, LESCO had relinquished all its licenses except for the one in Lahore.[1]
See also
- List of electric supply companies in Pakistan
- Pakistan Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA)
- National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA)
External links
References
- Daniyal Ahmad. A brief history: The rot in our DISCOs Profit by Pakistan Today, 31 December 2023^
- Khalid Hasnain. LESCO (Lahore Electric Supply Company) and FESCO get precedence over other DISCOS (Distribution Companies) in system upgrade Dawn (newspaper), 12 May 2019, retrieved 24 February 2020^
- LESCO - History lesco.gov.pk, retrieved 24 February 2020^