Thiruvananthapuram ∙ KSEB is about to implement the proposal that electricity bills above 500 rupees should be paid online only. In order to avoid the inconvenience of the people, it has been directed to accept bills of more than 500 rupees in cash up to three billing circles. People will get a grace period of six months to switch to the online payment system.
The new measure comes after it was found that the payment of bills through online is less than 50 percent. The Principal Secretary, Energy Department had directed to accept all types of bills online. As a first step, bills above Rs 500 will be accepted online only. It has also been suggested that those who come to pay the money at the counters should be made aware to pay the bill online after receiving the money.
The Electricity Regulatory Commission had recommended that additional posts in KSEB be reduced. The organizations allege that making online payments mandatory is part of a plan to cut jobs at cash counters. Cash counters work in two shifts in busy sections. 8 am to 2 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm. It has been decided to implement a single shift from 9 am to 3 pm from Monday.
Meanwhile, KSEB said that the propaganda that electricity bills above Rs 500 will not be accepted at cash counters is misleading. It is the policy of all electricity distribution utilities at the national level to promote online payment as much as possible. The Principal Secretary, Department of Power has observed that online payment of KSEB is less than 50 percent and has suggested to encourage it as much as possible. It is in this situation that customers who have to pay a bill of more than 500 rupees should receive the money through the counter when they reach the counter and encourage them to pay online – said KSEB.
English Summary: KSEB ready to start online payment only for bill above 500 rupees