In his written statement, Yaşar Arslan, President of the Turkish Natural Gas Distributors Association (GAZBİR), gave information about how the comparative invoice regulation, which has created public debate in recent days, will be implemented in natural gas.
Stating that the comparative invoice regulation implemented by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority is defined in the legislation for the purpose of protecting public safety and health and does not have any adverse consequences for subscribers, Arslan said, “Comparative invoice regulation is used in areas where quarantine is applied, in buildings where it has been administratively decided not to read or in buildings with problems in terms of hygiene, and in social isolation. It will be valid in a small number of exceptional cases where it cannot be provided.” made his assessment.
Arslan stated that there is no change in the meter readings and billing processes of subscribers in other buildings.
Pointing out that the normal meter reading process continues by natural gas distribution companies, Arslan said:
“On the other hand, if there is a meter that cannot be read for any reason, including quarantine application, our subscribers can take a photo of the index on their own meter and send it to the distribution company online or through the call center to create an invoice based on the consumption amount. In cases where normal meter readings cannot be made, the average of consumption for the same month of the last 2 years is taken into account. “An estimation will be made based on the meter reading possibility. When the possibility of reading the meter is restored, a retroactive offset will be made based on the actual consumption measured from the meter.”
“Closed businesses should apply to stop gas service”
Arslan emphasized that, as a general practice in natural gas, invoices are issued according to the consumption taken from the meter index, and said, “It is absolutely out of the question to send an estimated invoice to a closed workplace based on past consumption.” gave the information.
Arslan suggested that the managers of commercial establishments such as restaurants, cafes, eateries, and facilities whose production was suspended due to the new type of coronavirus (Covid-19) should apply to natural gas distribution companies and request the suspension of service, and stated the following:
“Otherwise, there is a possibility of accidents or some other safety risks arising from natural gas in vacant businesses. It is also of great importance for the safety of our cities that our subscribers who will not use natural gas for a while make the necessary notifications. Unfortunately, workplaces that have suspended their operations do not fulfill this requirement. This includes “However, distribution companies make their determinations as much as possible in accordance with safe operating conditions. In addition, our subscribers who have difficulties in payment are provided with possible payment facilities if they apply, and flexibility is also provided in the application of deductions for unpaid invoices.”
Source: https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/ekonomi/dogal-gazda-kiyasen-fatura-istisnai-durumlarda-duzenlenen/1798049
