Electricity for a holiday home in Spain: how to stop paying for an empty house

Updated on 14/10/2026 · Voltaris, independent energy advisers in Spain

Many owners of holiday homes in Spain are surprised to receive a sizeable electricity bill for months when nobody was there. Almost always it is not consumption: it is the fixed part of the bill, and it can be reduced.

Why an empty house still pays

A Spanish electricity bill has two main parts. The energy term is what you consume, kilowatt-hour by kilowatt-hour. The power term (término de potencia) is a fixed daily charge for the maximum power you have contracted, and it is billed every day of the year, whether the house is full or empty.

In a holiday home, the power term is often the largest part of the bill. That is why it is the first place to look.

1. Lower the contracted power

Holiday homes often carry 5.5 kW or more from a previous owner, while their real peak use is far lower. Each kilowatt you remove saves roughly 40 to 50 euros a year, every year, without changing anything you do in the house.

2. Choose a tariff that suits occasional use

When you consume little, the price per kilowatt-hour matters less than the fixed costs. A tariff with a cheaper power term can beat one with an attractive energy price. It is the opposite of what most adverts focus on.

3. Remove the extras you do not use

Maintenance plans, appliance insurance and similar services are added as a monthly fee. In a house you visit a few weeks a year, they are rarely worth it. They are listed on the bill under servicios adicionales or similar.

4. Check the meter from home

Every home in Spain now has a digital meter that sends readings to the distributor. Your supplier's online area usually shows daily or even hourly consumption. If you see use when nobody is there, something is left on: a water heater, a pool pump, a fridge or a faulty appliance. Spotting it early avoids an unpleasant bill.

Paying from abroad

Bills are paid by direct debit. A Spanish bank account is the simplest option, and many suppliers also accept other SEPA accounts. Make sure the bills go to an email you actually read: in Spain, unpaid bills can lead to the supply being suspended, and you would not find out until you arrive.

How much you can save

It depends on the house, but in second homes the combination of lower power, a better fixed term and no unnecessary extras usually saves more, in percentage, than in a main home. Send us a recent bill and we will tell you the exact figure, in English and for free.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I get an electricity bill when my Spanish holiday home is empty?

Because part of the bill, the power term, is a fixed daily charge for the contracted power. It is billed every day of the year, even when nothing is consumed.

How can I reduce electricity costs in a second home in Spain?

Lower the contracted power to what the house really needs, choose a tariff with a low fixed term, remove add-on services you do not use and check the meter online for unexpected consumption.

Can I pay a Spanish electricity bill from a foreign bank account?

Many suppliers accept SEPA accounts from other countries, but a Spanish account is the simplest option. Ask the supplier before signing.