How to set up utilities in Spain.

For property owners without an existing utility connection, there are more provider options available. It’s important to bear in mind that the setup process can be time-consuming, so it’s prudent to initiate contact with providers well in advance. If the property is already connected, the process is significantly more streamlined. In this situation, you’ll need to reach out to the energy provider and establish a contract in your name. While you may have the choice to switch providers, it’s important to be aware that in certain areas, only one provider may be available.

Payments are usually handled via automated bank transfers, and you’ll need to supply your bank account details during the registration procedure. It’s important to keep in mind that only a Spanish bank can be used for this registration.

Brief introduction to the Spanish utilities system

Utilities in a home, such as electricity, gas, water, internet, telephone, and more, are essential for daily comfort and functionality. In Spain, the utility market is liberated, allowing you to choose your providers, except for water, which is typically predetermined by location and managed through local authorities.

Different types of available utilities

Water:
Water charges are directly linked to your consumption, as measured by your water metre. The cost increases with higher consumption levels. For example, in the province of Málaga, the rates are structured in bands, as stipulated by the water service provider Aqualia.

• • For the first consumption band (0-8 cubic metres per month), the cost is 0.42 € per cubic metre (m³).
  • In the second consumption band (9-20 m³ per month), the rate rises to 1.15 €/m³.
  • For the third consumption band (21-30 m³ per month), the cost is 1.78 €/m³.
  • If your consumption exceeds 30 m³ per month, you will face a higher penalty rate of 2.30 €/m³.

Electricity:
In 2025, the average wholesale electricity price in Spain has stabilised compared to previous years and stands at approximately 85–95 euros per megawatt-hour (€/MWh), depending on market conditions and seasonal demand.

Gas:

•  The Iberian exception was structured to cap the price of wholesale gas used for electricity generation as a temporary measure during the energy crisis. Although the            original cap mechanism expired, regulated gas tariffs in Spain continue to be reviewed quarterly.
• In Spain, the average cost of gas for consumers under the regulated tariff (TUR), including VAT at 5%, stands approximately as follows in 2025:
• For the TUR RL.1 rate (average consumption of 5,000 kWh/year), the cost is around €30–32 per month.
• For the TUR RL.2 rate (average consumption of approximately 9,000–10,000 kWh/year), the cost is around €55–58 per month.

• Telecommunications and Internet Communication expenses, including cell phone and internet services, it can also be categorised as part of utility bills. Many Spanish providers offer property owners combined contracts that bundle cell phone, internet, and television services. In such cases, users pay a fixed annual fee of approximately €650-€720 per year. There are many providers and you should browse your options before you choose.

Utilities when you rent.

Some rental properties may incorporate water and electricity costs into the rental payment. It’s important to confirm whether this arrangement applies to your tenancy prior to finalising your rental agreement. If you are entering into a long-term rental, you may have the option to transfer the contract to your name, switch providers, and even add additional services such as internet if they are not already included.

Electricity services

The electricity supply in Spain is typically 220 volts AC with a frequency of 50 hertz, similar to much of Europe. However, there are some areas that still use a 110-volt supply, although this is very uncommon and generally limited to older installations.

Some of the major electricity providers in Spain include:

• Endesa.
• Iberdrola.
• Gas Natural Fenosa.
• EGL.
• EDP Hidrocantábrico Energia.
• Acciona.
• E.ON.
• EVM

Electricity set-up process

The essential information required for setting up your electricity contract includes:

The individual’s name, their Spanish tax number (NIF or NIE), and their contact information, serving as the contract holder.

The property’s address.

The particulars of the bank account designated for bill payments.

Your Unified Supply Point Code (CUPS), an alphanumeric code found on your electricity bills.

The electricity installation certificate, a mandatory document demonstrating the safety and integrity of your electricity supply.

In Spain, there are multiple payment methods for settling your electricity bills. It is recommended to opt for automatic direct debit payments, preferably from a Spanish bank account. Transitioning to smart metres can eliminate the need for estimated bills and concerns about overpayment. Alternatively, you can make payments through the postal service, local banks, or directly at the electricity company’s office.

Electricity prices in Spain

The average daily electricity price in 2025 stands at approximately 0.115 €/kWh, with the lowest prices typically occurring during off-peak night hours (around 0.045–0.055 €/kWh) and the highest prices during evening peak hours, which can reach 0.22–0.25 €/kWh, depending on demand and market conditions. In 2025, the average annual wholesale electricity price is approximately 90–95 €/MWh.

The average daily electricity price in 2025 stands at approximately 0.115 €/kWh, with the lowest prices typically occurring during off-peak night hours (around 0.045–0.055 €/kWh) and the highest prices during evening peak hours, which can reach 0.22–0.25 €/kWh, depending on demand and market conditions. In 2025, the average annual wholesale electricity price is approximately 90–95 €/MWh.

The price of electricity per kWh in Spain in 2025 varies depending on the supplier, tariff type, and the market it is contracted in:

Iberdrola charges approximately €65–70 per year for contracted power and around €0.205–0.215 per kWh for consumption.

Endesa charges approximately €4.00–4.50 per month for contracted power and around €0.220–0.230 per kWh for consumption.

Naturgy charges approximately €50–55 per kW per year for power and around €0.160–0.170 per kWh for consumption.

These figures reflect typical market prices in 2025 and may vary depending on contract conditions, consumption patterns, and promotional tariffs.

Gas services

Spain’s dependence on foreign gas has remained high in recent years, with Algeria continuing as Spain’s main gas supplier, delivering gas to the country through a Mediterranean pipeline. Other international suppliers continue to play a relevant role in Spain’s gas mix, reflecting ongoing diversification of sources in 2024–2025.

When it comes to selecting a gas provider, your options are contingent on whether multiple gas suppliers serve your area, which isn’t always guaranteed. Before making your choice, it’s advisable to explore the various tariff options to find the one that aligns with your specific needs. Additionally, some gas providers in Spain offer combined gas and electricity tariffs, a possibility worth considering. Notable gas suppliers in Spain include Enagás, Endesa, and Naturgy.

Natural gas or propane? How to decide

When choosing a type of gas for heating, hot water, or cooking, consumers have the option to select between piped gas (natural gas), which is methane gas extracted from underground sources and supplied through pipelines, or bottled gas (butane or propane), which does not require a distribution network and is available in individual bottles or bulk quantities. A “bombona de butano” refers to the bottle gas tank containing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is primarily a blend of hydrocarbon gases, with propane constituting the majority (typically over 90%) along with butane and propylene.

Gas set-up process

When moving into a property with mains gas, found mainly in major cities, contact the local gas company to activate the service and set up a supply contract; Naturgy is a prominent supplier in Spain. For areas without mains gas, butane bottled gas (bombonas) is available through delivery services or local outlets like petrol stations and supermarkets. To secure a bottled gas contract, a safety inspection is required, along with specific documentation. A refundable deposit is needed for the initial gas bottle purchase, and appliances must be serviced every five years, a service that can be arranged through the supplier.