Access to basic utilities is a fundamental right, yet navigating the bureaucracy of power and gas companies in Pakistan can be overwhelming. In 2026, the process is governed by strict digital protocols designed to reduce corruption and improve transparency. Whether you are a homeowner, a tenant, or a business owner, applying for a connection requires more than just a form: it requires a precise legal set of documents and an understanding of your regional distribution company.
At ASR Law Associates, we advise clients that “possession of a house does not equal a right to a meter.” If your property is in an unapproved housing scheme or has pending arrears, your application will be legally blocked.
1. Electricity: The ENC System (WAPDA/DISCOs)
Almost all distribution companies in Pakistan (except K-Electric) now use the centralized Electricity New Connection (ENC) System. This includes LESCO (Lahore), IESCO (Islamabad), GEPCO (Gujranwala), and MEPCO (Multan).
A. The Online Application Process
- Portal Access: Visit the official ENC portal at https://enc.com.pk/.
- Company Selection: You must select your specific DISCO based on your geographic location.
- Category Selection: Choosing the correct category is critical.
- Category 1 (Domestic): Up to 15 kW load (usually for houses).
- Category 2 (Commercial): For shops and offices.
- Category 3 (Industrial): For factories requiring high-voltage connections.
- Neighbor’s Reference Number: The system requires a 14-digit reference number from your immediate neighbor. This is legally used to identify the nearest “Transformer” and “Pole” (PMT) to verify technical feasibility.
B. Mandatory Legal Documents for ENC
To avoid rejection, your scans must be clear and attested.
- Proof of Ownership: A registered Sale Deed, Registry, or Allotment Letter. In the case of inheritance, a Succession Certificate is required.
- Affidavit (Undertaking): A signed statement on a 100 PKR stamp paper declaring that the premises are not involved in any litigation and that no previous dues are pending.
- Wiring Contractor’s Test Report: This is a certificate from a licensed electrician stating that the internal wiring of the house is safe and meets the DISCO’s standards.
- NOC (No Objection Certificate): If you are a tenant, a notarized NOC from the landlord is mandatory. If the property is in a private society (like DHA or Bahria), an NOC from the society management is also required.
(Note: While this image shows the criminal process, the utility application follows a similar “Flow” from Application to Site Survey to Demand Notice).
2. Gas: SNGPL and SSGC Connections
Gas connections are managed by two giants: Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) for Punjab and KP, and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) for Sindh and Balochistan.
A. The Shift to RLNG in 2026
Due to the shortage of natural gas, the Government of Pakistan has prioritized RLNG (Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas) for new domestic connections. RLNG connections are processed faster but carry a higher tariff (approx. 70% higher) than conventional “System Gas.”
B. The Application Tiers
- Normal Track: You wait in the “Merit Queue.” In 2026, this queue can take 1 to 2 years depending on the area.
- Fast Track (Urgent): By paying an “Urgent Fee” (currently fixed at 25,000 PKR), your application is prioritized, and the meter is typically installed within 2 to 4 months, provided the infrastructure exists.
C. Legal Requirements for Gas
- Gas Bill of Nearest Neighbor: Crucial for the SNGPL/SSGC surveyor to locate the “Service Line.”
- Gas Load Estimation: You must declare the number of “Points” (stoves, geysers, heaters) in the house. Over-installing appliances beyond your declared load is a violation of the Gas Safety Rules.
- Physical Survey: A company officer will visit to ensure the gas pipe will not cross over third-party property (neighbor’s land), which is legally prohibited without a “Right of Way” agreement.
3. The Demand Notice: The Point of No Return
Once your application is technically “Feasible,” the company will issue a Demand Notice (DN).
What is a Demand Notice?
It is a legal document stating the costs you must pay to get the connection. This includes:
- Security Deposit: Refundable upon termination of the connection.
- Service Line Charges: Cost of the wire or pipe from the main grid to your house.
- Meter Cost: The price of the physical hardware.
Legal Caution: Always pay the Demand Notice in the designated bank mentioned on the slip. Never pay cash to a lineman or a contractor. Once paid, upload the receipt to the ENC or SNGPL portal to trigger the “Meter Installation Order.”
4. Why Applications Get Rejected
At ASR Law Associates, we frequently handle cases where utilities are denied. Common legal hurdles include:
- Illegal Housing Schemes: If your house is in a society that LDA or CDA has declared “Illegal,” utility companies are legally barred from providing connections.
- Arrears on the Property: If the previous owner left an unpaid bill, the DISCO will not install a new meter until those dues are cleared. This is why “Due Diligence” during property purchase is vital.
- Encroachment: If any part of your building is on government land (the street), the surveyor will reject the application on “Technical Grounds.”
(Note: Just as signs guide traffic, the “Technical Sanction” guides the placement of meters).
5. K-Electric: The “Asaan Meter” Initiative
For residents of Karachi, K-Electric has introduced the Asaan Meter for domestic loads below 80 kW. This is a simplified process requiring only:
- CNIC copy.
- Ownership proof.
- A simplified 200 PKR affidavit.The goal is to provide a connection within 15 days of paying the Demand Notice.
6. Prosumer Rights: Net Metering (Solar)
In 2026, many homeowners apply for a “Bi-Directional Meter” for solar export.
- Legal Prerequisite: You must already have a 3-phase connection.
- The License: You need a “Distributed Generation License” from NEPRA. Your solar vendor usually handles the technical paperwork, but the legal responsibility for the “Net Metering Agreement” rests with the property owner.
7. The Timeline: What to Expect
| Step | Timeline (Electricity) | Timeline (Gas – Fast Track) |
| Application Submission | Day 1 | Day 1 |
| Document Verification | 3-5 Days | 7-10 Days |
| Site Survey | 7-10 Days | 15-30 Days |
| Issuance of Demand Notice | 2-3 Days after survey | 7-10 Days after survey |
| Meter Installation | 7-15 Days after payment | 30-60 Days after payment |
8. Conclusion: Secure Your Rights Legally
Utility companies in Pakistan are bound by the Consumer Service Manual (CSM). If you have paid your Demand Notice and the company is delaying installation for more than 30 days without a valid reason, you have the right to approach the Wafaqi Mohtasib (Federal Ombudsman) for a “Delay in Service” complaint.
At ASR Law Associates, we help clients resolve complex utility disputes, from “Detection Bills” to the “Refusal of New Connections.” Ensuring your application is legally sound from Day 1 is the only way to avoid years of litigation.
Need Help with a Utility Application or Dispute?
If your application has been unfairly rejected or you are facing delays in getting your meter installed, our legal experts can assist in filing a formal grievance with NEPRA, OGRA, or the Ombudsman.
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Disclaimer: This article provides general informational guidance. Utility regulations, fees, and timelines are subject to change by SNGPL, SSGC, and the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) in Pakistan.