A Current Assessment of Effects of Electricity Market Liberalization on Electricity Consumer Rights in Turkey

Central governments have been experiencing difficulties in financing increased electricity grid investments. In recent years, the grids, in which financial problems are experienced, are rapidly liberalized to supply affordable, continuous and high quality energy to consumers. The liberalization of the distribution grid in Turkey have been completed in the last decade. In this study, a current review of consumer rights after the liberalization of Turkey's distribution grid is carried out. Although some improvements in supply continuity after liberalization has been shown, the supply continuity performance of distribution grid is not at the desired level considering Turkey's economic performance, size and development. Objectives within the liberalization of the distribution grid in Turkey can only be achieved through cooperation with regulatory authority and private companies. In this respect, private companies should take necessary measures and the regulatory authority should revises existing regulations considering characteristics of the distribution companies and make necessary audits.