Vijayawada: Of late, bill payments via smartphones have emerged as one of the most preferred modes of disbursement by tech-savvy citizens. Several private organisations and government agencies have already jumped on to the bandwagon, and the Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) is no exception.
With a consumer base of 8.5 million spread across eight districts of Andhra Pradesh: Chittoor, Kadapa, Ongole, Nellore, Guntur, Vijayawada, Kurnool and Anantapur, the power utility, headquartered at Tirupati, has introduced its very own mobile bill payment application on January 18, 2016. Since then, the number of downloads has increased steadily with latest figures crossing 34,000 mark by the end of March.
“Interface of the mobile application is simple. All we have to do is download, register and log in with our credentials. The app will stay connected and we can make our payments quite easily, which is better than paying bills on website or Mee-Seva,” maintained Ch.Durga Prasad, who works as a lecturer in Government Polytechnic College, Tirupati.
Completely developed by APSPDCL, the mobile app facilitates bill payments as well as round-the-clock services to its consumers.
The app is available for free of cost at Google Playstore and consumers can download it on their smartphones.
They can stay connected by signing up with their respective mail-ID or phone number and payments can further be made by entering the 13-digit service number followed by the preferred mode of payment, be it either net banking, credit/debit cards, payment wallets etc.
Focus on improving network
Speaking to The Hindu , APSPDCL Chairman and Managing Director H.Y. Dora opined that the introduction of mobile app has eased the process of bill payment for many consumers.
“Prompt action rendered by officials concerned in addressing technical issues/snags during downloads and payments has also evoked good response from the consumers,” he added.
Elucidating on the need for reducing arduous delay in queue lines,
Mr. Dora further said that they have waived payment gateway charges for net banking, and other payment modes would attract minimal tax-related amounts on the transaction value.
ATP network
In addition to this, the officials are also focusing on improving their network of Any Time Payment (ATP) machines across the region. The kiosk (ATP), which functions similar to a cash deposit machine installed at banks, accepts payment from consumers and generates bills for availing the services.
There are nearly 25 ATPs under the Discom’s purview and officials have assured significant improvement in the facility in the next couple of months.
