Decision for those who pay electricity bills on time: That fee will not be charged

The Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA) has published a draft text covering regulations for electricity consumers. According to the draft, the Energy Market Regulatory Authority has opened the draft, which includes amendments to the Consumer Services Regulation, for public opinion.

According to the report on NTV, opinions from relevant institutions and the sector will be collected over a period of 15 days within this scope. In line with the collected opinions and if deemed necessary, the Board will make its final decision on the draft following any required changes.

NO SECURITY DEPOSIT FOR REGULAR PAYERS

According to the draft text, residential subscribers who have paid their bills regularly for 24 months will not be charged a security deposit for new contracts.

Currently, a security deposit ranging from 680 to 1135 TL is charged for residential subscribers. Subscribers whose contracts are terminated due to debt pay 50 percent more in security deposits to initiate a new subscription.

HIGHER SECURITY DEPOSIT FOR FOREIGNERS

For foreign national consumers, the existing security deposit will be increased by 50 percent for initial subscription transactions to reduce collection risk.

Foreign national residential subscribers who pay their bills regularly for 24 months will also have the right not to pay a security deposit for their next subscription.

PENALTIES FOR ILLEGAL USAGE INCREASING

The draft text includes new measures regarding illegal electricity usage.

Deficiencies observed in the practices of companies during the detection, accrual, billing, and collection stages of illegal electricity usage will be eliminated, and uniformity of practice will be ensured among distribution companies regarding these transactions.

The penalty coefficient for illegal electricity usage will be increased, and individuals caught using illegal electricity will pay higher penalties. In regions with high rates of illegal usage, all kinds of technological facilities and data usage will be increased to detect and prevent the amount of illegal usage without causing any public order issues.

Within the scope of the amendment, legal proceedings will not be initiated by the distribution company regarding debts related to illegal electricity bills without notifying the debtor. First, an illegal consumption bill with a high penalty coefficient will be issued, and if this bill is not paid, the distribution company will notify the debtor and proceed with legal enforcement.