How much it costs to increase your contracted power in Spain (and why lowering it is almost free)
If the main switch trips whenever the oven and the air conditioning run together, you need more power. If you pay every month for kilowatts you never use, you need less. Both are requested through your supplier, but they don't cost the same.
What you pay when you increase power
When you raise your power, the local distribution company (in most of the province of Alicante, i-DE) charges regulated fees that are the same whichever supplier you use:
| Fee | Approximate amount (before VAT) | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Extension fee (derechos de extensión) | €17.37 per kW added | Only above the power the grid already recognises for your home |
| Access fee (derechos de acceso) | €19.70 per kW added | Every time you increase |
| Connection fee (enganche) | €9.04 per change | Every time the contract is modified |
| Inspection (verificación) | about €8 | Only if the distributor has to check the installation |
VAT is added on top. The amounts come from Royal Decree 1048/2013; your distributor confirms the exact figure before making the change.
A worked example
Going from 3.45 kW to 4.6 kW means adding 1.15 kW:
- Extension: 1.15 × 17.37 = €19.98
- Access: 1.15 × 19.70 = €22.66
- Connection: €9.04
Total: €51.68 plus VAT, around €62.50, paid once on your next bill. After that, the monthly power charge rises in proportion to the kW you added.
And lowering it?
Lowering power is the cheap direction: usually only the connection fee (about €9 plus VAT), and you save every month afterwards. Many suppliers only accept one power change every 12 months, so it pays to get it right first time.
When you need an electrical certificate
If the new power is above what your electrical installation certificate (the «boletín» or CIE) allows, the distributor may ask for a new one from an authorised electrician. This is common in older homes, or when adding air conditioning, a heat pump or an EV charger.
How long it takes
With a digital meter, the change is usually done remotely within a few days. Your supply is not cut off.
Before you increase: often it is enough to split power differently between peak and off-peak hours. At Voltaris we size your power using your real peaks and handle the paperwork for you, in English.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to increase contracted power in Spain?
About €19.70 per kW in access fees, €17.37 per kW in extension fees if you exceed the recognised power, and about €9 for connection, plus VAT. Adding 1.15 kW costs around €62 including VAT.
How much does it cost to lower contracted power?
Usually just the connection fee, about €9 plus VAT, and you save on every bill afterwards.
How often can I change my contracted power?
Many suppliers only allow one change every 12 months, so calculate it carefully first.
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