Paying a bijli bill used to mean standing in a queue at a utility office or bank branch on a working day. That is no longer the case. As an IESCO consumer in Islamabad, I pay my electricity bill from my phone in under two minutes — and there are half a dozen valid ways to do it. Here is every method currently available, with the exact steps for each.
What You Need Before Paying
Regardless of which method you use, you need one thing: your 14-digit Reference Number. It is printed in the top-left section of any previous physical electricity bill, inside a box labeled "Reference No" or "Ref No." It looks like: 01 11223 1234567.
Enter only the 14 digits. Do not include the letter at the end (U, R, or similar — that is a connection type code, not used for payments). Do not add spaces.
If you do not have a physical bill, you can check your electricity bill online to retrieve your Reference Number first.
Method 1: JazzCash
JazzCash is the most widely used mobile wallet for utility bill payments in Pakistan and supports all 11 DISCOs.
- Open the JazzCash app and sign in
- Tap Bill Payments on the home screen
- Select Electricity from the bill categories
- Choose your DISCO (LESCO, MEPCO, IESCO, FESCO, GEPCO, etc.)
- Enter your 14-digit Reference Number
- The app fetches your bill amount — verify it matches your actual bill
- Tap Pay Now and confirm with your PIN or biometric
You will receive an SMS confirmation with a transaction ID. Keep this until you verify the payment has been applied to your account — typically within 24–48 hours.
If you do not have a JazzCash account, you can open one at any JazzCash agent with your CNIC. No bank account is required.
Method 2: EasyPaisa
EasyPaisa works similarly to JazzCash and is available through the Telenor mobile network.
- Open the EasyPaisa app and sign in
- Tap Pay Bills
- Select Electricity
- Choose your DISCO
- Enter your Reference Number
- Confirm the amount and pay
EasyPaisa also allows payments without a smartphone through the USSD shortcode *786# — useful if you are on a basic handset without data access.
Method 3: Internet Banking and Mobile Banking Apps
All major Pakistani banks now support electricity bill payments. The path varies slightly by bank:
- HBL Mobile / HBL Konnect — Payments → Bill Payments → Electricity → Select DISCO
- UBL Digital — Pay → Utility Bills → Electricity → Select DISCO
- MCB Mobile — Bill Pay → Electricity → WAPDA Bills
- Meezan Bank App — Pay Bills → Electricity → Select DISCO
- Bank Alfalah — Payments → Utility Bills → Electricity
All require the same 14-digit Reference Number. Payments through bank apps are processed through the 1Link interbank network and typically reflect within 24 hours.
Method 4: ATMs (1Link Network)
Any ATM connected to the 1Link network — which includes virtually all bank ATMs in Pakistan — supports utility bill payments.
- Insert your debit card and enter PIN
- Select Bill Payment from the main menu
- Select Electricity or Utility Bills
- Choose your DISCO
- Enter your 14-digit Reference Number
- The ATM displays the amount due — confirm and proceed
- Keep the printed receipt as proof of payment
This method is particularly useful for consumers who prefer physical receipts or do not use mobile apps.
Method 5: NADRA e-Sahulat
NADRA e-Sahulat kiosks are located at pharmacies, general stores, and dedicated centres throughout Pakistan. They are designed specifically for consumers without bank accounts or smartphones.
Visit any e-Sahulat centre, give the agent your DISCO name and Reference Number, and pay cash. The agent processes the transaction and provides a receipt. This service reaches areas and demographics that digital-first methods do not.
Method 6: Pakistan Post
Pakistan Post offices accept electricity bill payments across the country. This is particularly relevant in smaller towns, rural areas, and semi-urban localities where digital infrastructure is limited. Take your bill and cash to the nearest post office on any working day.
How Long Does Online Payment Take to Reflect?
For JazzCash, EasyPaisa, and bank apps, payment typically reflects on the PITC billing system within 24 to 48 hours. During heavy billing periods near DISCO due dates, it can occasionally take up to 72 hours.
To verify, re-check your duplicate bill on iBill.pk 48 hours after payment. If the bill still shows unpaid after 72 hours, contact your DISCO's helpline (118 for most DISCOs) with the transaction ID from your payment confirmation.
What If My Payment Is Not Showing After 3 Days?
- Confirm that you paid for the correct DISCO and the correct Reference Number
- Note the transaction ID from your JazzCash, EasyPaisa, or bank confirmation SMS
- Call your DISCO helpline (118) with that transaction ID
- If needed, visit the nearest DISCO sub-divisional office with a printed payment receipt
Do not make a second payment before confirming the first one was not applied — double payments require a formal refund process to recover.
Paying Before the Due Date
The due date on your bill is firm. Pay before it to avoid the late payment surcharge — approximately 10% on the current month's charges. This surcharge becomes part of your "Previous Balance" on the next bill and compounds if left unpaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay an LESCO bill through JazzCash?
Yes. JazzCash supports payments for all 11 DISCOs, including LESCO. Select LESCO from the electricity category, enter your 14-digit Reference Number, and confirm.
What is the late payment fee for electricity in Pakistan?
Approximately 10% on the current month's charges, applied after the due date printed on your bill. It is added to the "Previous Balance" on your following month's bill.
Can I pay my IESCO bill online from abroad?
Yes. JazzCash, EasyPaisa, and internet banking apps all work internationally if you have access to a Pakistani mobile number and account. You can also ask a family member in Pakistan to pay on your behalf using your Reference Number — they do not need access to your account, only the Reference Number and the bill amount.
How do I know if my online payment went through?
You receive an SMS confirmation from JazzCash, EasyPaisa, or your bank immediately after payment. To verify it has been applied to your electricity account, re-check your duplicate bill 48 hours later — a paid bill will show zero balance.
Do these payment methods charge a fee?
JazzCash and EasyPaisa may charge a small transaction fee — typically Rs. 10–15. Bank apps and ATM payments through your own bank are generally free. Check the specific platform's fee schedule before confirming.
Can I pay for multiple months at once?
The PITC billing system shows only the current outstanding balance, which includes any arrears from previous months. One payment covers both the current bill and outstanding arrears. You cannot pay future bills in advance through this system.