Kathmandu: The Nepal Electricity Authority has invited proposals from interested service provider institutions with the objective of making electricity bill collection more convenient, secure, and digital.
The Authority has requested capable firms and institutions to submit proposals for collecting revenue through electronic means, while also publishing the required qualifications and criteria. Applicants must submit proof of registration and renewal as a service provider, along with a mandatory license as a payment service provider issued by the Nepal Rastra Bank.
In addition, applicants are required to provide registration certificates for income tax and value-added tax (VAT), tax clearance certificates up to the last fiscal year, articles of association and regulations, and a self-declaration confirming that they are not legally disqualified.
The Authority has also mandated a commitment to submit a bank guarantee as specified, a plan to expand services to remote areas, and the technical capability to ensure the confidentiality and security of customers’ financial data.
Furthermore, the Authority has requested details on arrangements to deposit collected amounts into designated bank accounts on time, plans to provide maximum convenience through various digital channels, and information on at least five technically skilled personnel. The proposal must clearly outline the service coverage area, service provider network, software and equipment to be used, and the coordination mechanism with the Authority.
To ensure ease of payment for customers, the Authority has also set limits on service charges. Payments up to NPR 500 will be free of charge; payments from NPR 501 to NPR 5,000 will carry a maximum fee of NPR 5; from NPR 5,001 to NPR 10,000, a maximum of NPR 8; and above NPR 10,000, a maximum of NPR 10.
According to the Authority, approved service providers must sign an agreement within 15 days by submitting a bank guarantee worth NPR 10 million (one crore), valid for at least one year, issued by a Class ‘A’ commercial bank. The arrangement also prohibits collecting amounts exceeding the guaranteed limit on a daily basis.
It has also been clarified that service providers will not receive any additional service fees from the Authority. To address potential disputes in the future, a separate committee will be formed under the chairmanship of a member of the Authority’s Board of Directors.
This initiative is expected to make electricity bill collection more systematic, transparent, and accessible.
Jalasarokar
