Non-Electrified Properties: Debt Relief for Unpaid Municipality Cleaning and Lighting Fees

A regulation from the Ministry of Finance, reported by ertnews, offers debt relief for cleaning and lighting fees owed by owners of non-electrified properties that remain unused. According to a provision incorporated into the draft bill on capital markets now under public consultation, debts (to municipalities) from cleaning and lighting fees for properties with discontinued electricity service, confirmed by the responsible network operator and attested by a declaration from the owner or legal representative stating the property was unused during the reference period, will be canceled or not enforced. Payments already made are non-refundable. A prerequisite is submitting a responsible declaration and confirmation from the network operator regarding the electricity disconnection during the reference period, regardless of the submission date, following the principle of equity. Additionally, amounts corresponding to fees for periods before the declaration’s submission, if the property met the stated criteria, will not be pursued. For cases where related debts have been partially paid, the remaining balance can be canceled upon the debtor’s application to the relevant municipality. Meanwhile, the deadline for debtors owing municipalities to settle their debts in up to 60 installments with reductions of up to 95% on penalties ends on March 14. This regulation applies to all types of individual and legal entity debts towards municipalities and their legal entities, like Water Supply and Sewerage Companies (DEYA), verified until October 31, 2024. Vulnerable debtors certified as such can pay off their debts with exemptions ranging from 75% to 95% depending on the repayment plan chosen, provided they meet certain conditions.