The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) has planned to introduce bill payment facility through use of ATMs for its consumers.

TNEB has tied up with Indian Bank for providing this service. It is also in talks with other banks including HDFC, Canara Bank, State Bank of India (SBI) and Indian Overseas Bank for implementation of this system. The facility is likely to commence by next month.

A senior TNEB official said, "Already, we have introduced the online payment facility and any time payment' machines in Chennai and there has been a welcome response from the people. Facility to make payments through ATMs is our next consumer-friendly initiative. Talks with Indian Bank, which has about 200 ATMs in Chennai, are almost finalized and we hope it can be introduced next month". He also said the banks might collect Rs five additionally as service charges.

Commenting on the use of this mode of payment, the official said, "Presently, about 20,000 consumers pay their bills online and 10,000 do it through ATP machines every month. Our revenue through online payment this month is about Rs 2.5 crore and we are seeing an increase of about 2,000 such consumers a month." He added, "Even if just five per cent of consumers opt to make payments through ATMs, it will be a big success."

TNEB has introduced anywhere payment system for consumers within and outside Chennai. These include ATP (Any Time Payment) machines and internet payment systems. The ATP machines (kiosks) are installed at the TNEB Head quarters Complex (Annasalai), T Nagar, Wallajah Road and Seven Wells. The internet payment system was introduced in September 2009.

Presently bill payment after 15th day of a given month can be made only at the bill collection centres. The TNEB is working to avail this facility at ATP machines and ATMs.