Turkey is transitioning to a smart and national meter system.

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The President of the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK), Mustafa Yılmaz, stated in his speech at the 15th Sector Meeting of the Electricity Distribution Services Association (Elder) that there are two primary issues affecting consumers in the electricity distribution sector. Emphasizing that electricity outages and the fight against electricity theft need to be addressed, Yılmaz said, "Ultimately, there has been a reduction in the number and duration of electricity outages, as evidenced by both the surveys conducted and the quality indicators. However, unfortunately, electricity outages are at the top of the consumer complaints received by our institution."

MODERNIZATION OF ELECTRICITY NETWORKS

Yılmaz pointed out that distribution companies that use the aging of the network as an excuse for electricity outages are in a position of "companies that are not competent in their work," and he noted:

"We have repeatedly stated this on every platform, and we will continue to do so. We expect distribution companies to move beyond traditional and easy methods when planning investments, to develop methods that can foresee any issues that may upset consumers in both planning and field processes, and to produce permanent solutions rather than temporary ones. It is essential to increase efforts to place networks underground and to reduce their vulnerability to natural effects. In this context, reports and complaints regarding life and property safety should be meticulously examined by the employees of distribution companies, and every necessary step should be taken promptly to eliminate risks."

IMPORTANCE OF R&D AND SYSTEM APPROACH

Yılmaz stated that they consider it important for distribution companies to strengthen their system operation functions, saying, "We are always ready to meet the regulatory needs in this regard. Distribution companies can prevent outages by conducting proper R&D studies, making realistic and visionary investment plans, efficiently using planned maintenance and repair budgets, and most importantly, acting with the mindset of 'not just a network operator but a system operator.'"

TRANSITION TO SMART METER SYSTEMS

Yılmaz noted that this year will be a milestone for the National Smart Meter Systems (MASS), stating, "Throughout the year, distribution companies will quickly complete all integration works necessary for the use of smart meters. As of January 1, 2026, all electricity meters installed in Turkey will be smart and national for the first time." He emphasized that the new smart meters will allow real-time monitoring of electricity consumption data and will help users manage their billing processes more effectively.

NEW ERA IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ELECTRICITY THEFT

Yılmaz pointed out that the use of stolen electricity has long been a bleeding wound for both the energy sector and Turkey, stating, "Unfortunately, we cannot say that we have reached the desired level in the fight against this issue yet. The fight against electricity theft can only succeed with a holistic approach that includes educational and legal measures, not just the steps taken by the energy sector."

Yılmaz conveyed that the recent regulation made by the EPDK in the Consumer Services Regulation heralds a new era in this field, stating that the aim is to increase the coefficient used in billing so that individuals detected using stolen electricity will face higher penalties.

IMPORTANCE OF NEW STRATEGIES IN THE ELECTRICITY SECTOR

The Chairman of the Board of the Electricity Distribution Services Association (Elder), Barış Erdeniz, expressed that a significant increase in electricity consumption is expected in the coming years. Erdeniz stated, "It is projected that electricity consumption, which reached 350 billion kilowatt-hours by the end of 2024, will increase by 48% to approximately 500 billion kilowatt-hours by 2035." He added that parallel to this increase in demand, Turkey's installed capacity is expected to rise by 97% to 227 thousand megawatts.

NECESSITY OF INVESTMENT AND MODERNIZATION

Erdeniz emphasized that the electricity distribution sector is a key building block for the strategic backbone of energy transformation and a sustainable energy future. "The modernization of the distribution infrastructure is necessary to adapt to increasing energy demands and renewable energy sources. Today, there is talk of an investment need of 65 billion euros annually in Europe and 600 billion dollars worldwide." He highlighted that the creation of a new network strategy and cost-based pricing issues will determine the future of the sector.