The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has called for proposals from qualified service providers to enhance the efficiency and user-friendliness of its electricity bill collection system.
The authority is seeking firms capable of facilitating digital transactions. Interested applicants must submit valid company registration and renewal documents, along with a payment service provider license issued by Nepal Rastra Bank.
Bidders are also required to provide 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 furnishing bank guarantees as specified by NEA, ensuring the availability of 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 NEA while ensuring maximum convenience for users through multiple payment channels.
Applicants are required to employ at least five technically qualified personnel and submit detailed information about their operational reach, service networks, integration with NEA’s revenue system, and the software and equipment they intend to use.
Proposals must also outline coordination mechanisms with NEA, including timelines and procedures for depositing collected revenue and ensuring its security.
According to the notice, customers paying up to Rs 500 must receive 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. The cap is Rs 8 for payments between Rs 5,001 and Rs 10,000, and Rs 10 for amounts above Rs 10,000.
Selected service providers are required to sign an agreement within 15 days of approval and submit a bank guarantee of at least Rs 10 million from a Class ‘A’ commercial bank, valid for a minimum of one year. Daily collections must not exceed the guaranteed amount.
NEA has 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 selected service provider.
