Common Electricity Meter Problems and Solutions: A Complete Guide
Electricity meters are essential devices that measure your power consumption, ensuring accurate billing. However, like any electrical equipment, they can develop issues over time. Recognizing common electricity meter problems and knowing how to resolve them can save you from unexpected power disruptions and billing errors.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the most frequent electricity meter issues faced by Pakistani consumers, their causes, and practical solutions to fix them for all DISCOs including LESCO, IESCO, FESCO, MEPCO, and K-Electric.
1. Electricity Meter Not Working (Blank Display or No Power)
Symptoms:
- The meter display is completely blank
- No LED lights or digital readings are visible
- Appliances are not receiving power despite the main supply being on
Possible Causes:
- Power outage in your area
- Tripped main circuit breaker or fuse
- Loose wiring connections inside the meter box
- Faulty meter due to internal damage
Solutions:
- ✔ Check for a power outage - Contact your utility provider (LESCO, IESCO, etc.) to confirm
- ✔ Inspect the circuit breaker - Reset the main switch if it has tripped
- ✔ Tighten loose connections - Call a licensed electrician for wiring issues
- ✔ Contact your electricity provider - They may need to replace a dead meter
2. Fast-Running or Slow-Running Meter (Incorrect Readings)
Symptoms:
- Your electricity bill is unusually high despite normal usage
- The meter dials or digital display are moving too fast/slow
- Appliances consume power normally but meter shows irregular readings
Possible Causes:
- Faulty meter calibration (common in older mechanical meters)
- Tampering or magnet interference (illegal but can slow down meters)
- Electrical leakage due to faulty wiring
Solutions:
- ✔ Compare usage with past bills - Check for sudden spikes
- ✔ Test with a single appliance - Run only one device and observe the meter
- ✔ Report to your DISCO - They can test and recalibrate the meter
- ✔ Check for power theft - Report illegal connections to authorities
3. Meter Display Flickering or Unstable Readings
Symptoms:
- The digital screen flickers or shows erratic numbers
- The meter resets randomly
- Readings disappear and reappear intermittently
Possible Causes:
- Voltage fluctuations in the power supply
- Loose meter connections causing intermittent power
- Internal meter malfunction due to aging or damage
Solutions:
- ✔ Check your home's voltage stability - Use a multimeter if possible
- ✔ Secure all wiring connections - Hire an electrician for inspection
- ✔ Request a meter replacement - Persistent issues may need new meter
4. Burning Smell or Overheating Meter
⚠ Immediate action required! Overheating can lead to fires.
Symptoms:
- A burning odor near the meter box
- The meter feels excessively hot to touch
- Discoloration or melting around the meter casing
Possible Causes:
- Overloaded circuit exceeding the meter's capacity
- Loose or corroded terminals causing resistance and heat
- Short circuit in the wiring
Solutions:
- ✔ Turn off the main power supply immediately
- ✔ Call an electrician immediately - Don't attempt DIY fixes
- ✔ Upgrade your meter - May need higher capacity for increased load
5. Electricity Meter Making Buzzing or Humming Noises
Symptoms:
- Constant buzzing/humming from the meter
- Sound increases with more appliance usage
Possible Causes:
- Loose internal components vibrating
- High electrical load causing transformer hum
- Faulty current transformer (CT) meter in industrial setups
Solutions:
- ✔ Check for loose parts - Electrician can tighten components
- ✔ Reduce electrical load - Avoid multiple high-power devices
- ✔ Request meter inspection - Persistent noise may indicate failure
6. Smart Meter Connectivity Issues
Symptoms:
- Smart meter fails to send data to utility company
- Error messages like "No Signal" or "Communication Failure"
- Remote monitoring features stop working
Possible Causes:
- Weak wireless signal (poor network coverage areas)
- Software glitches requiring reset
- Physical damage to communication module
Solutions:
- ✔ Restart the meter - Some have reset buttons
- ✔ Check signal strength - Ensure good reception location
- ✔ Contact your provider - May need firmware update or replacement
7. Meter Box Damage Due to Weather or Pests
Symptoms:
- Visible cracks, rust, or water in meter box
- Rodents/insects nesting inside causing damage
Possible Causes:
- Extreme weather conditions (rain, snow, heat)
- Poorly sealed enclosures allowing pest entry
Solutions:
- ✔ Install weatherproof enclosure - Protects against elements
- ✔ Seal gaps and cracks - Prevents pest entry
- ✔ Schedule regular inspections - Ensures long-term meter health
Preventive Maintenance Tips for Electricity Meters
To avoid frequent meter problems in your LESCO, IESCO, FESCO, MEPCO or other DISCO service area:
- ✅ Schedule annual inspections by a certified electrician
- ✅ Avoid overloading circuits - Distribute power usage evenly
- ✅ Keep meter area clean and dry - Prevent corrosion and pests
- ✅ Report abnormalities immediately - Early detection prevents failures
For official meter complaints in Pakistan, contact your local electricity provider:
- LESCO Helpline: 118
- IESCO Complaint Center: 051-9252933
- FESCO Customer Service: 0800-23400
- MEPCO Contact: 061-9333333
- K-Electric: 118