NEA Announces Additional 0.50% Reward for Online Electricity Bill Payments

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has decided to provide an additional 0.50% Smart Pay Reward to domestic electricity consumers who pay their bills through digital payment platforms. The initiative aims to encourage cashless transactions, promote digital payment services, and make electricity bill payments more convenient. The decision was approved by the NEA Board of Directors following an initiative by Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha. According to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, the additional reward will initially be implemented for six months. The authority will assess the scheme's effectiveness before deciding whether to continue it beyond the initial period. Under the existing provision, domestic consumers receive a 2% discount when they pay their electricity bills within seven days of meter reading. This benefit will remain unchanged under the new arrangement. Consumers who pay through online platforms will be eligible for an additional 0.50% reward, bringing the total potential benefit to 2.50% for those who qualify for both incentives. The additional digital payment reward will also be available to domestic consumers who pay their electricity bills online outside the existing seven-day discount period, according to the ministry. The NEA expects the initiative to increase the use of digital payment services, reduce dependence on traditional payment channels, and simplify the bill payment process for consumers. The continuation of the scheme will depend on its performance and overall impact during the initial six-month implementation period.