Utilities in Spain

Setting up utilities in Spain is all part of exciting adventure, but it also comes with a myriad of challenges, one of which is arranging electricity, water, gas, internet, and other household services.

If you’re renting a property in Spain, you’ll find that household bills are not typically included in the monthly rental, and you’ll be free to select your providers or keep the existing connections. Some expats moving to the country opt to initially rent a serviced apartment, where the monthly rent includes household utility bills.

It is important that you check the meter readings on the day you move into your new home. Spanish households typically spend around 20 percent of their income on utilities, but costs fluctuate seasonally due to heating and cooling needs.

The climate varies significantly across Spain’s regions, which directly impacts your utility consumption. Northern areas require more heating, and southern regions see higher cooling costs during summer months.

Accommodation in Spain
Cost of Living in Spain

Setting up your utilities in Spain

Setting up your utilities in Spain differs depending on whether you’re moving into a property with existing connections or one that needs new installations. For existing connections, the process is typically straightforward and can often be completed within a few days.

Required documents

You’ll generally need your NIE (foreigner identification number), a copy of your rental contract or property deed, bank account details (EU accounts are usually accepted), and identification. For electricity changes, you’ll need the CUPS (unified supply point code) from the previous bill.

Electricity setup

For existing electricity connections, you can typically transfer the contract to your name online using the CUPS code. If changing suppliers, contact your chosen company with your name, bank details, and the CUPS code. The previous supplier is automatically notified, and the switch typically takes one or two weeks.

Water and gas connections

Water setup varies by municipality – contact the local water company or town hall directly. For gas, if a mains supply exists, contact the regional distributor. For bottled gas properties, arrange delivery contracts with local distributors.

Practical tips

Estate agents often handle initial utility transfers. If you’re waiting for your NIE, some providers accept passport identification with EU bank accounts, or you can arrange to keep utilities in the landlord’s name temporarily while sorting documentation.

Useful links

• CUPS Code Information – Endesa
• Understanding CUPS Codes – Holaluz
• Expatica Utilities Setup Guide

Paying utility bills in Spain

Paying utility bills in Spain centres around direct debit as the standard payment method. You’ll provide your bank details when setting up contracts, and bills are automatically deducted monthly. With Spain’s universal smart meter coverage, electricity readings are taken remotely, and billing is typically monthly, although some providers still use bimonthly cycles.

Spanish electricity bills use time-of-use pricing with three periods: peak (P1), standard (P2), and off-peak (P3) rates. Bills show consumption for each time period separately, and the system is designed to encourage shifting your energy use to off-peak hours.

All major providers offer customer portals and mobile apps where you can monitor usage, view bills, track consumption patterns, and manage your account. These platforms typically provide English-language options and real-time usage data from smart meters.

Expect higher bills during winter heating months and summer cooling periods. Many Spanish properties lack central heating, so electric heating can significantly increase winter costs. Summer air conditioning in southern regions similarly impacts electricity consumption.

Beyond basic utilities, you may have bills for home security systems, satellite or cable TV subscriptions, home insurance, and maintenance contracts. For billing disputes, contact your provider’s customer service first, then escalate to the energy ombudsman if needed.

Useful links

• Understanding Spanish Electricity Bills
• Tips for Reducing Energy Bills

Electricity and gas services in Spain

Electricity

Electricity and gas services in Spain operate on European standards, with an electric supply at 230V AC and a frequency of 50Hz. Spanish plugs are the same as in the rest of continental Europe, with two pins (Type C and the older Type F). If you arrive with appliances that are not compatible with these sockets, you’ll need to get power adapters.

There is a wide selection of electricity suppliers in Spain, which ensures that the market is relatively competitive. The main electricity companies include Endesa, Iberdrola, Naturgy, EDP España, CHC Energía and Acciona. Energía XXI serves as the supplier of last resort and acts as the default provider when you move into a new property without selecting a specific electricity supplier.

Spain was the first EU country to achieve 100 percent smart meter coverage in 2018. These smart meters allow providers to take readings remotely, and payments are usually made by Direct Debit, where utility bills are automatically deducted from your bank account each month.

Gas

Mains gas supply is limited in Spain, and it’s typically available only in major cities. Where available, gas is often more economical than electricity. Many households rely on bottled LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) for cooking, which requires arranging regular deliveries with a local distributor.

Useful links

• Electricity Suppliers Overview
• Spain Electrical Standards
• Energy Price Comparison

Water and municipal services in Spain

Water

Water and municipal services in Spain are managed at local levels, either directly by the municipality or through private companies operating under concession contracts. You won’t be able to choose your water provider when you set up your new home in Spain.

The water in Spain is generally safe to drink, with 99.5 percent of tap water meeting EU safety standards under regulations updated in 2023. Water quality and taste vary significantly by region due to mineral content and hardness – mountain areas typically offer better-tasting water than coastal regions. Many people prefer bottled water purely due to taste preferences rather than safety concerns.

Municipal taxes and services

In Spain, municipal taxes fund local services and are separate from national taxes. The main property tax is IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles), calculated based on your property’s cadastral value. Additional municipal service charges include waste collection (tasa de basura), street cleaning, and local infrastructure maintenance.

Municipal services funded by these taxes include waste collection, street cleaning, local health facilities, and public schools. Spain is transitioning to new circular economy waste management systems, with councils implementing updated waste collection taxes in 2025.

Useful links

• Spanish Water Quality Information
• IBI and Municipal Tax Guide
• Spain Waste Management Overview

Internet and telecommunications in Spain

Internet and telecommunications in Spain boast excellent infrastructure, and the country ranks 12th globally for fixed broadband speeds. Spain leads Europe in fibre deployment, with 89 percent fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) coverage compared to the EU average of 34 percent.

The major internet and mobile providers include Movistar (Telefónica), Vodafone, and MásOrange (formed from the 2024 merger of Orange and MASMOVIL). DIGI is also expanding rapidly as a newer competitor. These providers offer bundled packages combining fixed broadband, mobile services, and often television.

When selecting a provider, consider factors such as speed requirements, coverage in your specific area, contract terms, and customer service quality. Rural coverage has improved significantly, with 87 percent of rural areas now receiving speeds of 30 Mbps or higher.

Typical contracts run for 12 months with installation fees and equipment costs that vary by provider. Early cancellation usually incurs a penalty, so look before you leap. Installation times can range from a few days to several weeks, particularly in newer developments or rural areas.

Useful links

• Internet Providers Guide