Find out how to connect your home to electricity, gas and water with this handy expat guide to installing utilities in Spain.

Connecting to the local utilities in Spain is likely to be one of the first things on your to-do list when you move to the country. And your new house or apartment will feel much more like home when you connect the electricity, gas and water. You may also want to connect to Spanish internet, TV and home phone to ensure you settle into your new place under the Iberian sun.

Fortunately, setting up utilities in Spain is convenient and simple, with a variety of options to choose from. Whether you’re buying a cozy mountain retreat or renting a studio overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Public utilities in Spain

If you’re new to Spain, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with how the local utility market works when fitting out your home. In this way, you will be able to make the right choice for yourself and better understand your options. However, while the thought of dealing with the local utilities in Spain may leave you feeling burnt out, fear not as you’ll be able to plug in and be up and running before you know it.

As in many European countries, the Spanish utility market is fully liberalized. This means that technically you can choose your provider; although your options vary by region, as do the number of local providers. Water supply and operation is carried out at the local level either directly by the municipality or through a private company. However, you won’t be able to choose your water supplier when you set up your new home in Spain.

Connection in a new house

Setting up utilities in Spain is one of the first things a newcomer to this beautiful, sun-drenched country will need to do. However, the process will depend on several things. First, the procedure will differ depending on whether you are buying, renting or staying in the country for a short period of time. It may also vary slightly in different regions of Spain due to availability of suppliers.

If you are buying a property in Spain without a connection to the local electricity grid, you will need to contact the grid distributor and arrange the setup. Keep in mind that this process can take some time, so contact them early. On the other hand, if the property has an existing connection, the process will be much faster. In this case, you will simply need to contact the electricity supplier and enter into a contract in your name. You can switch providers, but be aware that some regions only have one provider.

If you rent a property in Spain, your monthly rental costs may or may not include utilities. So be sure to work out what you’re actually paying for with your landlord before you sign any contract. If utilities are not included, you may be able to choose your own provider or keep your existing connections. However, in serviced apartments, the monthly rent includes utilities, as they are usually only used for short-term rentals.

Setting up electricity and gas in Spain

Spain has a decent power grid that serves homes and businesses across the country. In general, electricity bills in Spain can be expensive, as consumer electricity prices are higher than the EU average (  €0.3071 per kWh at the beginning of 2022  ). This is partly due to higher costs due to heavy use of electricity in the winter and summer months, as many Spanish homes lack central heating and cooling systems. However, most homes now have smart meters, making it easier for you to monitor your consumption throughout the year.

Energy options in Spain

Spain’s energy sector is liberalized, meaning you are generally free to choose the electricity supplier  (luz)  of your choice when setting up your utilities in Spain. You also have the option of choosing a supplier from the free market  (mercado libre)  or the regulated market  (mercado regulado)  . Electricity suppliers in Spain usually operate in both markets, but from 2019 they must operate under different names in each. This initiative, launched by the Spanish regulator  CNMC  (Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia)  , aims to make it easier for consumers to distinguish between suppliers.

Although you are technically free to choose the provider of your choice from the market of your choice, be aware that in some parts of the country you may find that it is the choice of one. If you’re not sure about your local options, you can search online, ask on a local expat forum, or even contact suppliers directly. The providers that are available where you live usually offer a range of contracts, so you will still be able to choose the right option for you.

In general, gas  (gas)  is not as common in Spain as in other European countries. In addition, gas supply is usually only available in some cities. However, gas remains an option in Spain and can often be a cheaper alternative to electricity, depending on your circumstances. Much of the gas consumed in the country is gas in cylinders and you will need to arrange a regular supply with a distribution company operating in your area. If you choose gas, keep in mind that you generally need to have your appliances checked once a year for safety reasons. You can contact your gas supplier for more information on this.

Energy suppliers in Spain

As Spain’s energy market is liberalized, you can usually choose a supplier that suits your needs depending on where you live. However, even if you live in an area with only one supplier, you’ll likely still have options when it comes to your energy connection: electric, gas, or a mix of both. You will also have the option of choosing a provider on the free or regulated market. While it may seem confusing to newbies, a little research into your options can go a long way in helping you make the best choice for you.

By choosing a provider, you will get even more choice of tariffs. For example, Endesa offers fixed rate tariffs, off-peak tariffs and much more. Again, it’s a good idea to do a little research to make sure you get the right deal for your use. It will also help you save money on your energy bills, giving you more money to spend on important things like exploring the delicious  local cuisine  !

Some of the main Spanish energy companies include:

There are a number of price comparison websites in Spain that make choosing the right energy company a little easier. This can give you a better idea of ​​what’s available in your location, as well as an easy-to-understand breakdown of all your rate options.

Green energy in Spain

For many expats, making their new life in the sun as eco-friendly as possible is an important part of moving abroad. If you’re looking to live green in Spain, the best place to start is with a green energy subscription. In recent years, Spain  has significantly increased  its production of renewable energy in an effort to move away from fossil fuels. While you might expect solar to be leading the way with all that Iberian sun, wind was actually Spain’s biggest power producer in 2021, accounting for 23  % of total energy production  and more than any other non-renewable source. In addition, nuclear energy accounts for almost 21%, followed by hydropower (11%).

Most Spanish electricity providers offer tariffs for energy from renewable sources, so you can probably go green if you want. However, some suppliers, such as  Hola Luz  , only offer green energy. Contracting with one of these clean energy providers can help these companies continue to invest in green technology. You can search online to see if these providers are 100% green in your area.

Installation of solar panels in Spain

Another way to use green energy in your home and make it more environmentally friendly is to install solar panels in your building. In fact, the demand for it is increasing  after  recent changes in Spanish law. Of course, whether this will be the best option for you depends on your circumstances, but with installation costs dropping and more companies entering the market, now is the best time to go solar. However, make sure you do your research early and don’t be left in the dark.

Today, you’ll find many companies that can help you set up and install solar panels, making the transition even easier. Among them are such suppliers as  SolarMente  .

Connecting your energy supply in Spain

Once you’ve chosen your Spanish energy supplier, the sign-up process is quite simple. You will need to contact the chosen supplier and provide them with all the necessary information. This can usually be done online or over the phone.

To complete the registration process, you will need to provide the following:

  • an identity document (passport or ID card)
  • your NIE number
  • details of your Spanish bank account
  • address confirmation

If you are installing a brand new connection, you will need to contact your  local distributor  , not the supplier. This depends on where you live in the country and the process can take at least a few weeks. So it’s best to try to arrange this as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

This process involves certain fees, although they are usually the same wherever you live in Spain. However, if you are buying a new property in a complex or urbanisation, the developer must cover these costs.

Payment of electricity bills in Spain

When creating a new house in Spain, it is advisable to open an account in a Spanish bank in advance. Not only will this make things easier when arranging automatic collection (direct debit) for your utility bills, but it will also help you in other aspects of your daily life.

Payment is usually made by automatic collection  (transferencia)  from your bank account and you will need to provide these details during registration. You can arrange another payment method, but this will probably be the easiest option. Payment intervals will depend on your provider, although most provide an annual statement should you need to pay or receive any additional charges.

Changing energy supplier in Spain

In general, if you want to change your energy supplier in Spain, you can do so easily. Once you have decided on the provider and tariff you prefer, you can simply contact your new provider and provide them with all the necessary information. This includes the following:

  • Unified Point of Supply Code (CUPS) – an alphanumeric code on electricity bills
  • Electrical Installation Certificate – to show that your electrical supply is safe and compliant

Your new provider will then contact your previous provider and manage the transition process.

Filing a complaint against a Spanish energy supplier

If you have a complaint about your meter, meter reading or electricity bill, you should contact your supplier immediately. This will give your supplier plenty of time to resolve any issues. They can then send a technician to your home if you have problems with your meter or connection. You can find details of your supplier’s complaint process on the company’s website.

The Comisión  Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC)  regulates energy companies in Spain. However, to file a complaint you will need to go to   the Ministerio de Sanidad  . However, you should only do this if your original complaint has not been resolved. The process may take some time and you will need to submit the necessary documents to the ministry. It will also depend on the nature of your complaint.

Spanish voltage and power supply

Like most of Europe, electricity in Spain is approximately 220 volts AC at 50 hertz. However, you may find some areas that still have 110 volt power, although this is not very common. In these restricted areas, you may even find dual voltage systems within the same property. Keep in mind that the current of 220 volts is much higher than in other non-European countries. Therefore, check your equipment and gadgets in advance to avoid problems or incidents. You may need to invest in new electronics to avoid any dangerous burnouts.

Spanish sockets are similar to the rest of Europe with two-pin plugs and sockets (type C and the older type F). If your appliances are not compatible with these outlets, you will need to invest in a power adapter. You can buy them from all good electrical outlets. Keep in mind that Spanish homes often lack electrical outlets (usually one per room), so multi-outlet power strips can be very useful.

Power outage in Spain

Fortunately, power outages are quite rare in Spain, but like any other country, they still happen from time to time. In order not to be left in the dark, make sure that there are candles or battery-operated light bulbs in the closet just in case. If you do experience a power outage, the first thing you should do is check if your neighbors have power. If so, the problem is most likely in your home. You should check the fuse box to see if you accidentally tripped a fuse.

On the other hand, if your entire area is in the dark, then you might want to check your distributor’s website to see if they mention any known failures. Chances are, they already know about the problem, but you can still let them know and find out when they plan to fix the problem. You can find their contact information on the company’s website, as well as any correspondence they have sent you.

If you need electrical repairs done, it’s best to hire a professional. You can usually find registered contractors online and on platforms like  TaskRabbit  . Before hiring help, check the required qualifications.

Water supply in Spain

Water supply in Spain is carried out at the local level, and the provision of services is under the jurisdiction of local municipalities. The country has a mixed market system and you cannot choose your supplier. Some districts have a municipal public company, while about a third use a private company. The rest is a public-private mix. The largest private water suppliers in Spain are Aguas de Barcelona (  Agbar  ), which supplies water to approximately 12% of municipalities, and  Aqualia  . The largest public water company is  the Canal de Isabel II,  which supplies the Madrid region.

When establishing your home in Spain, you should go to the local town hall (  ayuntamiento  ) to register the title and transfer the water contract in your name. However, you won’t need to do this if your monthly rent includes utilities in Spain. To register, you need to either visit City Hall or register online. Typically, you will need to provide the following information during registration:

  • an identity document (passport or ID card)
  • your NIE number
  • details of your Spanish bank account
  • address confirmation

If your new property does not have a water connection, you will need to arrange this with your local supplier. You can do this through your local town hall, although this may take some time depending on your circumstances.

Payment of water bills in Spain

Water bills in Spain are usually paid monthly or quarterly, and you can pay in a number of ways, including direct debit. Just make sure you don’t have arrears on your account or you could get banned! You will then have to pay a reconnection fee. Also, you should always check your water bill carefully as overcharges are possible. 

To reduce water costs, you can purchase a water reservoir that mixes air with water in the faucets, thus reducing the amount of water consumed. In fact, you can save on installing a water-saving system in your apartment in just six months thanks to lower water bills. You can buy water conservation products in El Corte Inglés and Hipercor stores, hypermarkets and DIY stores.

Spanish drinking water

Water quality in Spain is generally very good, with 99.5% of tap water considered safe to drink according to global water standards. However, the actual quality of what comes out of the tap can vary greatly from region to region and even on the streets of the same city. This is due to the quality of the local water supply infrastructure and the fact that many pipes in Spain are quite old and local authorities use chlorine to keep them clean.

Due to taste considerations, many expats living in Spain prefer to use tap water exclusively for washing fruits and vegetables and brushing their teeth. However, this largely depends on personal preference and the quality of local tap water. Alternatively, you may prefer to subscribe to a bottled water service that delivers fresh bottled drinking water to your door.

Water consumption in Spain

While some areas of Spain are surprisingly wet, many southern parts of the country regularly suffer from drought. During this time, local municipalities will likely restrict water use to maintain water supplies. This may include restrictions on the use of public water supplies for watering the garden or washing the car.

Useful resources

Establishing communications in Spain: electricity, gas, water