New era in natural gas subscriptions: Convenience for those over 65
With a regulatory change in natural gas services, an exemption from the security deposit has been granted to subscribers over 65 and low-income individuals, payment options have been expanded, and credit card usage has been introduced.
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Changes that will bring relief to citizens regarding natural gas subscriptions and customer transactions have come into effect. The new regulation prepared by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) has been published in the Official Gazette and has begun to be implemented immediately. With this regulation, both those in need of social assistance and those over the age of 65 will be exempt from paying a security deposit for their natural gas subscriptions.
Similarly, payment conveniences have been provided to citizens who were previously unable to benefit from them. The new regulation makes it possible to pay the security deposit either in cash or via credit card in at least 6 installments without any maturity difference.
A regulation has also been introduced for subscribers who wish to pay their connection fee in installments. The connection fee, which could previously only be paid in 3 installments, can now be divided into 6 equal parts. This opportunity aims to alleviate the financial burden on citizens caused by the amount, which is approximately 9 thousand 755 TL.
Furthermore, subscribers who move to a new address within the same distribution region will not be asked to pay a security deposit again. The refund of the existing subscription and any additional amounts will be processed in installments via invoices.
Some users have been completely exempted from natural gas subscription security deposits. Owners of pre-paid meters, places of worship, cemevis, and Quran courses affiliated with the Presidency of Religious Affairs have been completely cleared of the security deposit requirement. Those over 65 and those receiving social assistance will be able to benefit from these rights when they subscribe in the name of the eligible person in the household.
For existing subscribers, the regulation allows the security deposit to be collected in cash or via credit card, in at least 6 installments, without any maturity difference. The following statement regarding this payment type, which is left to the customer's preference, is included: “In order to secure its receivables, the distribution company may collect a one-time security deposit from subscribers using mechanical meters, either in cash or by credit card, in a lump sum or in installments, according to the subscribers' preferences. For customers who request the security deposit to be paid in installments, at least 6 equal installments without maturity difference will be provided for the security deposit payment according to their preference.”
NEW PRACTICES IN SUBSCRIPTION TRANSACTIONS
With the regulatory change, significant innovations have also been implemented regarding invoices. It is noteworthy that prior notification has become mandatory for the termination of a subscription. Customers who do not pay their debts must be informed that the contract will be terminated at least three business days in advance, through at least two different methods (such as SMS, telephone, e-mail, or written notification).
For those who want to start a subscription, the process has been clarified: In initial subscription transactions, the contract will be signed after the internal installation project is approved, the relevant documents are completed, and the security deposit is accrued or collected. Those who wish to renew their subscription at the same address will be able to start receiving natural gas service within 4 business days at the latest, following an internal installation check.
In addition, more flexible practices have been adopted in invoice reading and payment processes. If the reading period caused by the distribution company is shortened, the payment period will not fall below 25 days; if it is extended, the consumption cost will be accrued in four installments without maturity difference. Customers who request it will be able to pay the consumption cost in a lump sum. Furthermore, a requirement has been introduced for invoices to be delivered at least 10 days before the due date and for the payment period to be no less than 5 business days.