KATHMANDU, Aug 21: Consumers can now pay their electricity bills through their mobile phones of personal computers. 

Minister for Energy Mahendra Bahadur Shahi on Monday unveiled online payment system of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) through their phones or computers or at the counters of some banks and remit companies.

NEA has brought four banks, two online payment gateways, two remit companies and Nepal Clearing House on board its only payment system. According to the energy utility, consumers won't have to pay additional cost for this service.

Consumers can pay their electricity bills from the counters of Himalayan Bank Ltd, Prabhu Bank Ltd, Nepal Investment Bank Ltd and Mahalaxmi Bikash Bank. Similarly, the can pay the bills through digital wallet operators -- eSewa and PayPoint Nepal - as well as remit service providers City Express Money Transfer and CFS Remit.

Though few only payment gateways were already providing e-payment service, they were not officially authorized by the NEA.

“With online bill payment system in place, consumers no longer have to wait in long queues at our counters. It will also help us to recover outstanding dues as well as bring our loss,” a statement issued by the ministry said.

Consumers, however, can also pay from NEA counters. 

Speaking at the program, NEA Managing Director, Kulman Ghising, said that the move was aimed at making the utility IT-friendly as well as modernize its service delivery.

Meanwhile, NEA is preparing to switch to smart grid and provide smart meters to its household consumers in the near future.

 
• nepal electricity authority
 
• online bill payment system
 
• minister for energy