Utilities & Internet Setup

Setting Up Utilities in Spain

Getting utilities connected is one of your first tasks after securing accommodation. The process is straightforward but requires some paperwork.

Electricity (Electricidad)

Main Providers

• **Endesa** - Largest in Andalucia

• **Iberdrola** - Second largest nationally

• **Naturgy** (formerly Gas Natural)

• **Repsol**

• **Smaller providers:** Holaluz, Lucera, Octopus Energy Spain

How to Connect

1. Get previous occupant's CUPS code (unique supply point number)

2. Contact provider with your NIE, passport, and proof of address

3. Supply transfers to your name within days

4. May need to pay a deposit (€50-150)

1. Apply through chosen provider

2. Provide boletín eléctrico (electrical certificate) if required

3. Connection fee: €150-300

4. Can take 1-3 weeks

Understanding Your Bill

Spanish electricity bills include:

• **Potencia contratada:** Fixed charge based on contracted power (kW)

• **Consumo:** Variable charge based on usage (kWh)

• **Impuesto eléctrico:** Electricity tax (~5%)

• **IVA:** VAT at 21%

Saving Money

• **Review your potencia:** Many homes have higher contracted power than needed

• **Time-of-use tariffs:** Cheaper rates overnight (discriminación horaria)

• **Compare providers:** Use comparators like Selectra

• **Energy efficiency:** Spanish homes often have poor insulation

Water (Agua)

Water is managed by municipal companies. In Marbella area, it's Hidralia.

How to Connect

1. Contact the municipal water company

2. Provide NIE, property documents, padrón

3. Sign contract and pay deposit (€50-100)

4. Meter reading taken, account opened

Notes

• Water is metered and charged per cubic metre

• Bills often come bi-monthly

• Garden watering significantly increases costs

• Pool water refills can be expensive

Gas (Gas)

Many Spanish homes are all-electric. If you have gas:

Butane Gas (Bombona)

Most common for cooking and heating:

• **Orange bottles** from Repsol, Cepsa, etc.

• Order replacements by phone or app

• Cost: ~€15-20 per bottle

• Delivery to your door

Natural Gas (Gas Natural)

Piped gas in some urban areas:

• **Naturgy** main provider

• Contract similar to electricity

• Monthly cost depends on usage

Internet & TV

Main Providers

• Largest, best coverage

• Reliable but more expensive

• TV packages available

• Good value fibre packages

• Competitive pricing

• TV options included

• Quality service

• Various bundles

• Good customer service in English

• Budget options

• Good fibre coverage

• Fewer frills

• Cheapest fibre option

• Growing network

• Basic service

Fibre Availability

Most of Marbella has excellent fibre coverage (300Mbps-1Gbps). Some rural or older urbanisations may have limited options.

Typical Packages

Add €10-20/month for TV packages.

Installation Process

1. Check coverage at your address (online or call)

2. Choose package and sign up

3. Installation appointment (usually within 1-2 weeks)

4. Technician installs router, may need to run cable

5. Contract usually 12 months minimum

Mobile Phone

• Contracts: better data allowances, phone included

• Prepaid: flexibility, good for new arrivals

Tips for Smooth Setup

1. Get NIE first - Required for all utility contracts

2. Spanish bank account - For direct debits

3. Proof of address - Rental contract or property deed

4. Previous bills - Ask landlord/seller for recent bills to understand costs

5. CUPS codes - Get electricity and water supply codes from previous occupant

6. Patience - Some processes take longer than expected

7. Gestoría - They can handle utility setup for €50-100

Common Issues