State energy minister Ajit Pawar inaugurated the facility at a function held in Mumbai on Thursday. The Maharashtra state electricity distribution company ltd (MSEDCL) has started its own payment gateway with the help of HDFC bank, which will unable the low tension (LT) consumers to pay their bills via internet using their credit/debit cards. The facility will be available at all the 647 billing units for 1.51 crore consumers at no extra cost.

The benefit was earlier available only for consumers in Bhandup, Kalyan, Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur and Nagpur cities. But with MSEDCL's payment gateway, LT consumers across the state can avail of this benefit. Companies/government departments with offices in any part of the state will also be able to pay their bills on-line from the head office.

The MSEDCL's website www.mahadiscom.in contains information about how to make on-line payment. Besides, the MSEDCL has set up a help desk at its head office in Prakashgad, Mumbai, to address consumers' complaints. The helpdesk can be contacted through email: helpdesk_pg@mahadiscom.in

Present at the inauguration ceremony were energy secretary Subrato Rath, MSEDCL managing director Ajay Mehta, director (finance) Dattatreya Vavhal, director Sharad Dabhade and director (projects) Maruti Devare.