Electricity Subsidies Being Cut: Big Hikes Ahead on Utility Bills

A major shake-up is coming to electricity billing in Turkey, and it’s likely to hit consumers directly in the wallet. The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources is rolling out changes to the subsidy system, and for many households, that could mean much higher bills.

Earlier this year, the ministry introduced a new tiered tariff system. The idea was to provide support for lower-consumption households while gradually phasing out subsidies for high users. Under this new plan, anyone using more than 5,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually no longer qualifies for state subsidies. And the impact was immediately felt after the April 5 price hike—bills over 1,300 TL lost their support and effectively doubled.

Lower Threshold, Higher Bills Coming in 2026

According to journalist Olcay Aydilek, who shared updates via social media, the ministry is planning to drop the annual consumption threshold even further starting January 1. The new cut-off point might fall as low as 3,000 kWh per year. The government is already in talks with distribution companies to gather precise consumption data, hinting that this plan is well underway.

If the threshold is indeed lowered to 3,000 kWh, this would mean that anyone with a monthly electricity bill around 750 TL—or roughly 800 TL after inflation—would lose state support starting in 2026. Without subsidies, those same bills could jump to 1,600 or even 1,700 TL.

For consumers, this shift means it’s time to start thinking seriously about energy use. The government’s long-term goal seems to be encouraging more efficient consumption, but in the short term, many households are likely to feel financial strain.

It’s a turning point in Turkey’s energy policy, and one that will reshape how much people pay—and how they power their homes.