ATMs and bank counters still pay electricity bills the traditional way, and both clear against your 14-digit reference number. The ATM route runs around the clock and prints a slip. The counter route suits cash payers who want a stamped bill.
This guide covers both methods step by step, then the fees, timing and proof you should keep.
Before you start
- Your paper bill or the 14-digit reference number.
- For ATM: your debit or ATM card and PIN.
- For branch: cash or a cheque, and the bill for the cashier to stamp.
Step-by-step
- 1
ATM: insert your card and choose 'Bill Payment'
At any bank ATM, insert your card, enter your PIN, and select Bill Payment or Utility Bills.
- 2
ATM: select 'Electricity' and your company
Choose Electricity, then your distribution company from the list.
- 3
ATM: enter the reference number and confirm
Type your 14-digit reference number. The ATM fetches the amount. Confirm to pay from your account and take the printed slip.
- 4
Branch: take your bill to the utility counter
Visit any bank branch that accepts utility bills. Most do. Go to the bills or cash counter with your printed bill.
- 5
Branch: hand over the bill and pay
Give the cashier your bill and pay by cash or cheque. They enter the reference number, take payment, and stamp the bill.
- 6
Branch: keep the stamped bill copy
The cashier returns a stamped portion of the bill. That stamp is your official proof. Keep it until the next bill shows cleared.
Fees, limits & timing
| ATM bill payment | Free at your own bank; small fee at other banks |
| Branch counter payment | Usually free for account holders |
| Availability | ATM: 24/7. Branch: banking hours |
| Proof of payment | ATM slip or stamped bill |
Tips & things to watch
- Pay before the due date. Branches get crowded on the last day and the late surcharge is around 10 percent.
- Keep the ATM slip or stamped bill until your next bill confirms the payment cleared.
- Counters usually stop taking utility bills a little before closing, so go earlier in the day.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Most bank ATMs offer Bill Payment. Paying at your own bank's ATM is usually free. Another bank's ATM may carry a small fee.
To pay cash over the counter you generally do not need an account at that branch, though some banks prefer account holders. Bring the printed bill so the cashier can stamp it.
At an ATM it is the printed transaction slip. At a branch it is the stamped portion of your bill. Keep either until the next bill shows cleared.
Usually yes, especially near the due date when branches are busy. For speed, an ATM or a mobile app beats the counter.