ISLAMABAD, Feb 17: A new system of electricity bill collection has been introduced for the first time in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad for consumers’ convenience.

“Under the new system, some 102 drop boxes are being placed at various points in the twin cities to collect utility bill through cross cheques,” Iesco chief executive Brig Waseem Zafar told reporters in a press conference on Monday.

He said consumers could drop their bills attached with the cross cheques of the amount mentioned on the bill. Only those cheques will be accepted that have dates of two days earlier than the date of submission, he said.

He said the contract of bill collection from all drop boxes had been awarded to a private firm.

Under the new scheme, some 47 drop boxes will be placed at departmental stores and prominent places in the capital and 55 are to be placed in various parts of Rawalpindi.

Brig Zafar said no other bill collection services would be suspended following the introduction of the new scheme. “National banks and post offices will continue their service,” he added.

He said bills having the amount of less than Rs5,000 could be paid through drop boxes scheme. However, bills, exceeding this amount, could be deposited at banks, post offices and newly-established 10 billing centres in Rawalpindi.

The official said the scheme, which was being introduced for the first time in the country, would facilitate over 100,000 consumers in the twin cities.

Drop boxes will be available at various places including Food Market G-6/1-1; Bazaar No- 8, G-6/4; Food Street Melody; NIH office, Chak Shahzad; Shaheen Chemist, Super Market; KFC, Super Market; United Bakery, Super Market; Yummy Ice Cream, Jinnah Super Market; PIA office, Blue Area; Paktal, Blue Area; Mobilink, Blue Area; HBL, Blue Area; Tandori Restaurant, G-8 Markaz; Blue Star Hotel; I&T Centre G-8/1; Sheeren Sweets, Sitara Market; PSO Khada Market; Glass Factory Chowk, Murree Road; Naz Cinema, Murree Road; College Road Chowk and Committee Chowk.

APP ADDS: Minister for information and Media Development Sheikh Rashid Ahmed inaugurated a modern bills collection centre of Iesco at Mareer Hassan Chowk, Rawalpindi, on Monday.

The Iesco chief, Brig Waseem Zafar, and senior officials of the company were also present on the occasion.

The information minister said the government wanted to provided better utility services to the masses throughout the country and such centres would help achieve this objective.

He urged Iesco to increase the number of bill collection centres in Rawalpindi city for convenience of the people.