In Turkey, electricity consumers are only entitled to choose their electricity suppliers if their energy consumption at the location exceeds a certain threshold ("Eligible Consumers"; more). The Energy Market Regulatory Authority has made changes to the processes for Eligible Consumers to change suppliers, as well as increased the scope of information stored in the central Eligible Consumer database.
The Regulation Amending the Electricity Market Stabilization and Reconciliation Regulation ("Amendment Regulation"), was published in Official Gazette number 29948 on 14 January 2017, entering into effect on 1 February 2017.
New Implications for Suppliers
If a consumer begins to consume energy at a consumption point which is not been previously used, the relevant electricity supplier is now required to enter information into the Market Management System ("System") and declare that an Energy Purchase and Sale Notification Form has been signed with the Eligible Consumer.
The information must first be entered into the system by the relevant distribution license holder. Once completed, the electricity supplier's request for the consumer must be notified via the System. The Eligible Consumer will then be added to the relevant supplier's portfolio.
Eligible Consumer Database
A central database of Eligible Consumers exists within the Market Management System.
The information which electricity suppliers must keep and add to the database has expanded to now be:
- Turkish identity number (or foreign identity number) for real
- Tax identification number and authorized persons for legal entities, as well as their name, surname, and Turkish identity number (or foreign identity number)
Suppliers are responsible for the accuracy of this data and the market operator (EPİAS) can cooperate with state institutions and organizations to confirm data accuracy.
Eligible Consumers can now access the Eligible Consumer portal through a method which will be determined by the market operator. Certain information will also be available at the e-Government portal (e-Devlet Kapısı), the government's official website.
Please see this link for the full text of the Amendment Regulation (only available in Turkish).
Information first published in the MA | Gazette, a fortnightly legal update newsletter produced by Moroğlu Arseven.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
