Everything you need to know about contracting electricity in Spain as an expatriate

For expats, becoming familiar with the requirements and process for signing up for electricity service is essential to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free stay.  

1. Prerequisites

Before starting the contracting process, check whether your home already has an electricity installation. If this is not the case, the developer or authorised installer will have to request the electricity supply from the corresponding distribution company.  

 
Once the installation is complete, the distributor will assign a Universal Supply Point Code (CUPS). This is a unique 20 or 22 digit identifier that is essential for contracting electricity. In addition, the authorised installer will provide the Electrical Installation Certificate (CIE), a document that certifies that the installation is safe and complies with current regulations. 

2. Documentación necesaria 

To contract electricity in Spain, you will need the following documents: 

• DNI, NIE or Passport: Identity document of the contract holder. If you are an expatriate, the NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is sufficient. 
• Certificate of Electrical Installation (CIE): Document that accredits the safety and conformity of the installation. 
• Bank account number: For direct debit of invoice payments, you will need a bank account in Spain. 
• Photocopy of the title deed or rental contract: Document proving ownership or rental of the property. 

3. Contacta con la compañía eléctrica 

Once you have the documents ready, the next step is contact an electric company. At Nordy we are at your disposal to advise you during this process. Call us at our toll free number or email us Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Our team will guide you to formalize the registration and choose the rate that best suits your needs. 

4. Understanding Energy Contracts in Spain 

In Spain, you can choose between different electricity tariffs depending on your needs: 

• 24H Tariff. This tariff offers you a fixed electricity price for 24 hours a day, keeping it constant throughout a set period. It is an ideal option for those who prefer stability in their expenses and wish to avoid fluctuations in their monthly bill. With this tariff, you'll have the peace of mind of knowing how much you'll pay, no matter when you consume energy. 
• Market Rate. Adjusts its price according to market variations and demand at different times of the day. This means that the cost of electricity can go up or down, depending on peak or off-peak hours. If you are flexible with your usage schedules, this tariff could offer you saving opportunities by taking advantage of low price periods, making your more efficient and economical consumption at times of lower demand.

Helpful tips for expatriates

When contracting electricity, we recommend following these additional tips that may help you better manage your consumption:  

• Check your first bill:Make sure the estimated consumption matches the actual to avoid overpaying. 
• Adjust the contracted power: If your consumption is low, reducing the contracted power can reduce your facturas mensuales. 
• Consider time discriminating tariffs: If you spend a large part of the day away from home, you could benefit from the market tariff, which will offer you lower prices in the evening hours.  

As you can see, signing up for electricity service in Spain is a simple process if you have the right information and follow the right steps. Choosing the right type of contract, gathering the necessary documentation and knowing the associated costs are fundamental aspects to avoid surprises and enjoy a comfortable stay in your new residence in Spain. 

If you want to discover more tips to save on your bill as an expat, we invite you to visit our blog. You are sure to find useful tips!