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Turkey's real energy prices will be identified when theÌýTurkish Energy Stock Market, EPIAS, is founded, saidÌýNihatÌýOzdemir,Ìýhead ofÌýELDER, Turkey's electricity distributionÌýassociation.
Turkey's energy prices are not independently set because of the huge volumesÌýof importedÌýproduction resources, said Ozdemir, who is also the CEO of Limak Energy Company.Ìý
Turkey's electricity distribution system wasÌýprivatized in 2013 into 21 districts. The privateÌýdistribution companies in these districts haveÌýleaguedÌýtogetherÌýunder the auspices of ELDER.
Distribution companies have made investments worth $8 billion forÌýthe period of 2010-2015 in terms of technology and new system investments, according to Ozdemir.Ìý
He stated that these investments are not enough, and there is a long way to go for distribution companies in upgrading the distribution system which hasÌý34 millionÌýsubscribers.
"The distribution systemÌýandÌýelectric meters are old, which should be renewed and replaced by smart, remote controlled ones." Ozdemir said, adding "the renewal cost for these electric meters is nearly 10 billion lira, so itÌýis not a one-day-job."
He explained that Turkey also needs a long time for completion of investments in the distribution sector including the placement underground of 90 percent of the country'sÌýelectricity cables.
He noted that becauseÌýthe wholeÌýdistribution system has been privatized, he said that the whole production process should also be.
"Private companies have better management, produce more effectively and increase capacity more," he said.
He added theÌýprivatization processÌýofÌýTurkey's energy sectorÌýin the past ten years was extremely successful, andÌýthere has not been such aÌýsuccessful privatization operation elsewhereÌýin the world. He cautioned, however,Ìýthat the country'sÌýenergy sector is not completely liberalized yet as the state holds most of the assets.
- Consumer complaints are fair
"Consumers have the rightÌýto complain about powerÌýcuts during the peak winter period," Ozdemir said, stating that the blackouts will lessen once investments are complete.
He said that consumers were more tolerantÌýwhen the distribution system was state-owned, but said now with private distribution,ÌýanyÌýinconvenience experienced putsÌýprivate companies into theÌýspotlight.Ìý
Reported by Mucahid Eker, Written by Arif Hudaverdi Yaman
Anadolu Agency
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