The energy in lightning must be equivalent to that needed to raise the molecules of water to height of clouds.

Question

Principle of conservation of energy ...like raising a bucket of water from a well is stored in the bucket of water and released when the water is poured out like to spin a water wheel which may use the energy to grind flour from corn....

Answer 1

I would like to answer your question; however, you haven't asked one.  Are you asking if we agree with you?

Answer 2

No. The energy that raises the water is thermal, and is

partially transferred to the upper atmosphere, and partly

dissipated by the falling water.

The charge difference you see in lightning is only a

small part of the transfers and has some other sources.