Purchasing a house in Spain is always an exciting time in your lives. When the cost of the property, the necessary taxes and related expenses are paid, it’s time to think about utility bills and available ways to save money on them.

Utilities typically refer to essential services like electricity, gas, water, and internet. Let’s go through the process step by step:

Utilities in Spain: Electricity and Gas

• Choosing a Provider: In Spain, there are multiple electricity and gas providers. Compare their tariffs, contract terms, and customer reviews to find the best fit for your needs.
• Fixed vs. Variable Rates: Decide whether you want a fixed-rate plan, which keeps your price stable, or a variable rate, which fluctuates with the market. Fixed rates provide predictability, while variable rates may offer potential savings during low-price periods.
• Signing Up: Contact the chosen provider, either online, by phone, or in person. They will guide you through the registration process.
• Meter Reading: Upon moving into a new property, ensure that the meter reading is accurate, so you are not charged for previous consumption.

The biggest providers of electricity and gas in Spain are the following:

• Endesa: Endesa is one of the largest electricity and gas companies in Spain. It operates in the generation, distribution, and commercialization of electricity and gas.
• Iberdrola: Iberdrola is another major player in the Spanish energy market. It is a global energy company involved in electricity generation, distribution, and renewable energy projects.
• Naturgy Energy Group (formerly Gas Natural Fenosa): Naturgy is a leading energy company in Spain, specializing in natural gas distribution and electricity generation.
• EDP España: EDP España, a subsidiary of Energias de Portugal (EDP), is active in the Spanish electricity market.
• Repsol: While primarily known as an oil and gas company, Repsol is also involved in electricity and gas distribution in Spain.

Utilities in Spain: Water

• Water Supplier: In most areas, the local municipality is responsible for water supply. Contact them to set up your water service.
• Water Conservation: Spain has faced water shortages in some regions. Adopt water-saving habits, such as fixing leaks promptly, using water-efficient appliances, and being mindful of water usage.

The largest companies of water supply are the following:

• Aqualia: Aqualia is one of the largest water management companies in Spain and is involved in water treatment, distribution, and supply.
• Acciona Agua: Acciona Agua is a subsidiary of the Acciona Group and is a major player in the water supply and treatment sector in Spain.
• Agamed: it began operating as a mixed service company in the municipality of Torrevieja, in January 1999. Today, Agamed provides its services to more than 126,000 clients in the municipality.
• Agbar (Aguas de Barcelona): Agbar is a water utility company that operates in various regions of Spain, providing water supply and sanitation services.
• Canal de Isabel II: This is the public company responsible for managing the water supply and sanitation services in the autonomous community of Madrid.
• Emasesa: Emasesa is a public company that manages the water supply and sanitation services in Seville, Andalusia.
• Emaya: Emaya is responsible for water supply and sanitation services in the city of Palma, on the island of Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands.
• Hidraqua: it is a company in the water supply and environmental protection sector, which has been developing its activities (collection, purification, distribution and reuse) in 79 municipalities of the Valencian Community, since 1971.

Internet and Phone

• Service Providers: Compare internet and phone service providers to find the most suitable package for your needs and budget.
• Fiber vs. ADSL: Fiber-optic internet is generally faster and more stable than ADSL. However, ADSL may be more widely available in some rural areas.

Here are some of the leading internet and mobile providers in Spain:

Internet Providers:

• Movistar: Movistar is the consumer brand of Telefónica, one of the largest telecommunications companies in Spain. They offer internet services through ADSL, fiber optic, and mobile broadband.
• Vodafone: Vodafone is a multinational telecom company operating in Spain, providing internet services through ADSL, fiber optic, and 4G/5G mobile networks.
• Orange: Orange is another significant player in the Spanish telecommunications market, offering internet services through ADSL, fiber optic, and mobile broadband.
• MásMóvil: MásMóvil is a challenger telecom company that has gained popularity for its competitive pricing and service offerings in both fixed-line internet and mobile services.

Mobile Providers:

• Movistar: Movistar is not only a leading internet provider but also one of the largest mobile operators in Spain, offering extensive coverage and various mobile plans.
• Vodafone: Vodafone is a prominent mobile operator in Spain, providing comprehensive coverage and a wide range of mobile plans and devices.
• Orange: Orange is another major mobile operator in Spain, known for its competitive mobile plans and reliable coverage.
• Yoigo: Yoigo is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that has gained popularity for its competitive pricing and attractive mobile data plans.
• MásMóvil: As mentioned earlier, MásMóvil is a significant challenger telecom company that offers competitive mobile plans, including contract and prepaid options.

Saving Money on Utilities in Spain

• Energy-Efficient Appliances: Invest in energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting. They might have a higher upfront cost but will save you money in the long run.
• Insulation: Properly insulate your home to reduce heating and cooling costs.
• Time-of-Use Tariffs: Some providers offer time-of-use tariffs that charge different rates based on the time of day. Shift energy-intensive tasks to off-peak hours to save money.
• Monitor Energy Usage: Use smart meters or energy monitoring devices to track your energy usage and identify areas where you can cut back.
• Switching Providers: Periodically compare utility providers and consider switching if you find a better deal or more suitable plan.

Utilities in Spain: Payment Methods

• Direct Debit: Opt for direct debit payments if possible. Many providers offer discounts or incentives for this payment method.
• Online Billing: Choose electronic billing to reduce paper waste and, in some cases, receive additional discounts.

Contact Information

• Emergency Numbers: Familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers for each utility (e.g., power outage, water leaks).
• Customer Service: Keep contact information for customer service of each utility in case you encounter any issues or have questions.

Renewable Energy Options

• Solar Power: If possible, consider installing solar panels to generate your electricity. Incentives and subsidies for renewable energy may be available in most of the southern regions of Spain.
• Discounts: Some provinces of Spain subsidize the installation of solar panels. The discount amount is calculated for each household individually and depends on many factors.

Utility Costs in Spain 2023

According to the portal numbeo.com, monthly utility costs in Spain are the following:

• Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment: 129.34 €
• Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data: 20.00 €
• Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL): 33.26 €

Remember that utility services may vary depending on your location within Spain, so it’s essential to research specific options in your area. Additionally, be aware of any local regulations or requirements related to utility setups.

We sincerely hope that our article will help you set up utilities in Spain and find ways to save money in the best way. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact our company!

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