NEW KPLC TELEGRAM BOT GIVES YOUR POWER BILL INSTANTLY

Kenya Power, the monopoly power distributor, has released a new, faster way of getting your power bills using the fast-growing Telegram instant messenger.

Telegram is a service like Whatsapp but with a lot more features including programs called bots which can be programmed to respond to queries.

The Kenyapowerbot for example allows you to input your post-paid account number and get your bill instantly.

You can access the  @KenyaPowerBot at https://telegram.me/KenyaPowerBot

Once there, you select whether your query is for pre-paid or post paid service.

A home menu as shown appears from which you select your query.

For query on pre-paid services, like like Token loaded. you will need to input your 11 digit meter number.

For post-paid customers, to get your post paid bill you will be prompted to input your account number and the balance will be sent back promptly.

This is a first for Kenya Power not known particularly for cutting edge innovation but with this it looks like the utility giant is finally beginning to place premium on technology and customer service.

Telegram bots operate using commands that begin with a back slash "/".

To get the list of commands you simply type /help

You can create your own Telegram bot by visiting the Botfather for registration and referring to the Telegram Bot Application Programming Interface (API) manual.