Nepra allows digital payments for regulatory fees through new amendments

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has amended its regulations to allow payment of regulatory fees through digital channels, replacing the earlier requirement for payments through bank drafts and pay orders only.

According to a news report, the regulator issued SROs 861, 862 and 863 introducing amendments aimed at facilitating government entities, private companies and individuals dealing with regulatory matters before Nepra.

Under the revised framework, applicants will now be able to submit proof of payment through digital means alongside traditional banking instruments such as pay orders and bank drafts.

According to the amendments, digital means include online payment portals, interbank fund transfer services, online invoice and bill payment systems, over-the-counter digital payment facilities and card-based transactions conducted through point-of-sale terminals, QR codes, mobile devices, ATMs and kiosks.

The definition also covers other online and digital payment methods.

Under amendments introduced through SROs 861 and 862, references in Schedule I requiring a “bank draft/pay order” have been replaced with wording requiring proof of payment through “pay order, bank draft or digital means.”

SRO 863 introduced similar amendments to relevant regulations and forms.

In Regulation 9, the phrase “in the form of bank draft” has been replaced with “paid through, inter alia, pay order, bank draft or digital means.”

Clause 10 of Form C was also amended to require attachment of proof of payment for appeal filing fees through digital channels or conventional banking instruments.

In addition, Clause (xvii) of Form D was revised by replacing the words “in the form of bank draft” with “paid through, inter alia, pay order, bank draft or digital means.”

The amendments are intended to simplify fee submission procedures and support faster payment processing through digital channels.