New era in natural gas bills from EMRA

The Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA) decided on comprehensive changes that strengthen consumer rights in the Natural Gas Market Distribution and Customer Services Regulation during its meeting on February 12, 2026. The regulation has been sent to the Presidency to be published in the Official Gazette.

The changes aim to increase efficiency, productivity, and transparency in natural gas distribution services, strengthen consumer satisfaction, and resolve practical problems in the field.

PAYMENT FLEXIBILITY IN CONNECTION FEES

Within the scope of the amendment made to Article 36 of the regulation, installment options have been expanded for consumers who wish to pay their subscription connection fee by credit card. The payment facility, which was previously applied as at least 3 installments, has been redefined to allow for up to 6 months of installments.

SECURITY DEPOSIT EXEMPTION FOR NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS

With the amendment made to Article 39, it has been decided that security deposits will not be collected for new subscription transactions from public institutions, places of worship, cemevis, and Quran courses, as well as from citizens receiving old-age pensions and social assistance.

CLEAR RULES IN MEASUREMENT AND BILLING

With the regulation made in Article 42, the processes regarding the calculation of consumption costs in cases where the meter does not measure or measures incorrectly have been clarified. By clearly defining the methods to be applied in cases of illegal use and incorrect measurement, legal uncertainties have been resolved for both consumers and distribution companies.

EMRA President Mustafa Yılmaz stated that the regulations were prepared with a consumer-oriented approach and said, "Our primary priority in energy markets is the protection of our consumers and the increase of their satisfaction. With these regulations, we are providing flexibility in payment processes and making billing and information mechanisms more transparent and effective. Social exemptions regarding security deposits are also a reflection of our understanding of a social state. Our goal is to permanently establish a safe and sustainable natural gas market."

News Source: 12punto