What is the step-by-step process to switch electricity, water, and natural gas subscriptions to your name in Istanbul, and can it be done via power of attorney?

You can transfer electricity, water, and natural gas subscriptions in Istanbul by applying to each provider with a tenancy or ownership document, identity, and a move-in notice, and you may have a representative handle the process with a notarized power of attorney (vekaletname).

Overview and required documents

In Istanbul, electricity is supplied by CK Boğaziçi Elektrik (retail) within the BEDAŞ distribution region, water and wastewater services are managed by İSKİ, and natural gas distribution is provided by İGDAŞ. Each provider requires you to sign a subscriber or retail contract in your own name, submit identification, and show legal occupancy with a title deed (tapu) or rental contract. Security deposits and service fees apply under sector regulations, and connection or activation appointments may be scheduled for meter reading and safety checks. E-Government (e-Devlet) portals provide online application options for all three services if you hold a Turkish ID number or a foreigner identification number (Yabancı Kimlik Numarası) with e-Devlet access credentials. A representative may complete applications on your behalf using a notarized power of attorney. [1][2][3][4][5][6]

Electricity subscription transfer (CK Boğaziçi Elektrik)

Electricity subscription to place a contract in your name can be completed at CK Boğaziçi Elektrik service centers or online. Required items typically include your identification document, the property’s meter number or previous subscriber number, an ownership deed or a rental agreement, and a move-in date for opening or transfer. The supplier will collect a security deposit and may charge a connection or activation fee in line with the Electricity Market Consumer Services Regulation issued by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (Enerji Piyasası Düzenleme Kurumu, EPDK). The company’s online channels also support name change or new subscription applications within the BEDAŞ region. Applications using a representative are accepted with a notarized power of attorney authorizing electricity subscription procedures. [3][6]

Water subscription transfer (İSKİ)

For water and wastewater, İSKİ requires establishing or transferring the subscriber record to your name linked to the property’s usage. Applicants must provide identification, the title deed or a rental agreement, and the property’s meter or subscriber details. İSKİ processes include security deposits and service charges set under its tariff schedules, and meter status must be verified by İSKİ technicians as part of activation or transfer. İSKİ enables subscription and many follow-up procedures via the e-Devlet platform and accepts applications at district service centers. Transactions by a representative are permitted with a notarized power of attorney that explicitly covers water subscription and related service procedures. [1][4]

Natural gas subscription transfer (İGDAŞ)

Natural gas subscriptions in Istanbul are managed by İGDAŞ. To switch a contract to your name, you submit identification, proof of occupancy through title deed or lease, and the meter or previous subscriber details. İGDAŞ may require a technical safety inspection or documentation showing the internal gas installation is compliant before activation. A security deposit and service fees apply according to the Natural Gas Market Distribution and Consumer Services Regulation and current İGDAŞ tariff policies. Applications are accepted at service points and through online channels, including the e-Devlet portal for eligible users. İGDAŞ procedures allow representatives to act with a notarized power of attorney that specifies authority for gas subscription and contract transactions. [2][4][7]

Power of attorney (vekaletname) and legal basis

A properly executed notarized power of attorney is valid for most administrative and contractual acts in Turkey, including utility subscriptions, provided the scope of authority is clear. The Notary Law No. 1512 stipulates the form and execution of powers of attorney before a Turkish notary, and foreign-issued powers require legalization or apostille and a sworn Turkish translation for use in Turkey. Utility providers routinely accept applications from authorized representatives where the power of attorney expressly grants authority to sign subscription agreements, pay deposits, and manage activation appointments. Applicants are responsible for ensuring the power of attorney text matches the specific needs of electricity, water, and gas procedures. [5]

Online applications via e-Devlet and identification requirements

The e-Devlet platform provides integrated services for initiating or tracking utility subscriptions with İSKİ and İGDAŞ, and links to CK Boğaziçi Elektrik online services. Access to e-Devlet requires a Turkish Republic ID number or a foreigner ID number and one of the accepted authentication methods, such as a PTT-provided password, mobile signature, or internet banking integration. Where online utility services are offered, the system requests identity verification and property details for matching to the correct meter or subscriber record. Users who cannot access e-Devlet can complete the process at provider service centers or through an authorized representative presenting a notarized power of attorney and the required documents. [1][2][3][4]

Timelines, deposits, and practical steps

A straightforward transfer can be completed within several business days, depending on appointment availability for meter reading or safety checks. Security deposits are collected at the time of contract and are determined by tariff rules or provider schedules; they are refundable under conditions defined in sector regulations and provider service agreements. Before applying, confirm that there are no unpaid balances on the meter and that internal installations for gas comply with safety standards to avoid delays at activation. Keep copies of your lease or deed, passport or ID, and any previous subscriber information. If using a representative, ensure the power of attorney text lists each utility and the authority to sign, pay deposits, and request activation to prevent rejection at the counter. For individual financial implications such as deposit refunds and account settlement, seek advice from a qualified professional as needed. [1][2][3][6][7]

Summary

Switching utilities to your name in Istanbul follows a clear structure: gather identity and occupancy documents, apply to each provider, pay deposits and fees, and schedule any required meter or safety checks. Electricity is handled with CK Boğaziçi Elektrik, water with İSKİ, and gas with İGDAŞ, all of which provide service centers and online channels, including e-Devlet for eligible users. Where personal attendance is impractical, a notarized power of attorney enables a trusted representative to complete each step on your behalf, provided the authorization is specific and properly legalized where applicable. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

Related Questions:
Q# How do e-Devlet credentials work for foreign property owners in Turkey, and what can be done online?
Q# What documents are required to open or transfer utility subscriptions after a property purchase in Turkey?
Q# How are utility security deposits calculated and refunded under Turkish energy and water regulations?
Q# Can unpaid utility debts from a previous subscriber block activation, and how are they resolved?

References:
[1] İstanbul Su ve Kanalizasyon İdaresi (İSKİ). “Abonelik İşlemleri.” https://www.iski.istanbul/
[2] İGDAŞ. “Abonelik ve Sözleşme İşlemleri.” https://www.igdas.istanbul/
[3] CK Boğaziçi Elektrik Perakende Satış A.Ş. “Abonelik/İsim Değişikliği ve Online İşlemler.” https://www.ckbogazici.com.tr/
[4] e-Devlet Kapısı. “Kurum Hizmetleri – İSKİ, İGDAŞ ve Elektrik İşlemleri.” https://www.turkiye.gov.tr/
[5] Resmi Gazete. “Noterlik Kanunu (Kanun No. 1512).” https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/
[6] Enerji Piyasası Düzenleme Kurumu (EPDK). “Elektrik Piyasası Tüketici Hizmetleri Yönetmeliği.” https://www.epdk.gov.tr/
[7] Enerji Piyasası Düzenleme Kurumu (EPDK). “Doğal Gaz Piyasası Dağıtım ve Müşteri Hizmetleri Yönetmeliği.” https://www.epdk.gov.tr/

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Property law and tax rules in Turkey change frequently. Consult a licensed Turkish lawyer, accountant, or real estate professional before making any purchasing decision.