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The Nepal Electricity Authority has invited proposals from interested service providers to make electricity bill collection more efficient and user-friendly.

The authority is calling on firms capable of operating or facilitating digital transactions to submit proposals. Applicants must provide proof of company registration and renewal, along with a valid payment service provider license issued by the Nepal Rastra Bank.

Bidders are also required to submit tax clearance certificates, including income tax and VAT filings up to the last fiscal year, as well as company statutes and bylaws. A self-declaration confirming legal eligibility is mandatory.

Additionally, applicants must commit to providing bank guarantees as specified by the authority, ensuring access to digital payment services even in remote areas, and maintaining strict confidentiality and security of the authority’s revenue data.

Service providers must agree to deposit collected funds into designated bank accounts as directed by the authority and ensure maximum convenience through multiple payment channels.

They are also required to have at least five technically qualified personnel and submit detailed information about their operational coverage, service networks, integration with NEA’s revenue system, and the software and equipment they will use.

The proposal must outline coordination mechanisms with the authority, including timelines and procedures for depositing collected revenue and ensuring its security.

According to the notice, customers paying up to Rs 500 must be provided services free of charge. For payments between Rs 501 and Rs 5,000, service providers can charge a maximum fee of Rs 5 per transaction. For payments between Rs 5,001 and Rs 10,000, the cap is Rs 8 per transaction, while for amounts above Rs 10,000, the maximum fee is set at Rs 10 per transaction.

Selected service providers must sign an agreement within 15 days of approval, submitting a bank guarantee of at least Rs 10 million issued by a Class ‘A’ commercial bank, valid for a minimum of one year. Daily collections must not exceed the guaranteed amount.

The authority clarified that it will not pay any service fees to providers for collection services. In case of disputes, a resolution committee will be formed under a board-appointed director, with representation from NEA officials and the service provider.