Power cut in Spain: electricity and gas emergency numbers and who to call
When the power goes, almost everyone calls their supplier. But grid faults aren't the supplier's job: they belong to the distribution company in your area.
Distributor and supplier are not the same
- The supplier (comercializadora) is the company you have a contract with: it sells you energy and sends the bill.
- The distributor (distribuidora) owns the cables and meter in your area. You don't choose it and it doesn't change when you switch supplier. It handles faults, readings and power changes.
Fault lines of the main distributors
| Distributor | Main areas | Faults |
|---|---|---|
| i-DE (Iberdrola group) | Valencian Community, including most of the province of Alicante, and other areas | 900 171 171 |
| e-distribución (Endesa group) | Andalusia, Catalonia, Balearic and Canary Islands, Aragon, among others | 800 760 706 |
| UFD (Naturgy group) | Galicia, Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha, among others | 900 333 999 |
| Nedgia (natural gas) | Much of Spain | 900 750 750 |
Always check the number on your bill: your distributor's fault line appears next to your CUPS.
Before calling
- Check whether the main switch or RCD in your fuse box has tripped: if so, the problem is inside the home.
- Ask a neighbour: if they have no power either, it's a grid fault.
- Have your CUPS or full address ready.
Cut off for a returned payment or a contract in someone else's name? That's not a fault: we sort it out with your supplier and arrange reconnection, in English.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I call in a power cut in Spain?
The distributor in your area, not your supplier. In most of the province of Alicante it's i-DE: 900 171 171.
What's the difference between distributor and supplier?
The supplier sells you energy and bills you; the distributor owns the grid and meter and handles faults.
Where do I find the fault number?
On your bill, next to the supply details and the CUPS.
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