Switching electricity supplier in Spain: how it works and what you need

Updated on 13/10/2026 · Voltaris, independent energy advisers in Spain

Changing electricity company causes more worry than it deserves. It is an administrative procedure, it is free and the supply is not interrupted. This is what really happens, step by step.

First of all: you will not be left without power

It is the doubt that holds most people back, so let us start there. In Spain there are two different companies involved:

• The distribuidora (distributor) owns the cables, the poles and the meter. It is assigned by area and you do not choose it. It never changes.
• The comercializadora (supplier) sells you the energy and sends you the bill. This one you choose freely.

When you switch supplier, the installation, the cables and the meter stay exactly the same. Only the name on the bill and the price you pay change. No building work, no engineer visit, no power cut.

What documents you need

Fewer than people expect. Any supplier needs:

• The CUPS: the code of your supply point, shown on your current bill. It never changes.
• The DNI or NIE of the contract holder.
• A bank account number (IBAN) for the direct debit.
• A recent bill, to know your consumption and your contracted power.

How long it takes

The process usually completes within one billing cycle, normally two to three weeks. During that time you have electricity as normal; the last bill from the old company and the first from the new one simply overlap in dates.

Lock-in periods: check this before signing

This is the point that causes the most upset. Some attractive offers come with a lock-in clause (permanencia): if you leave early, you pay a penalty.

It is usually calculated on the benefit or discount you received when you signed, pro rata for the months remaining. It is not always unfair, but you have the right to know before signing, and it must be in writing in the contract.

If you are in a contract with a lock-in and want to leave, call your current supplier and ask for the exact amount of the penalty. Sometimes the saving from switching makes it worth paying; other times it is better to wait a few months.

What if I have an outstanding debt?

A supplier can refuse a new contract if there is an unpaid debt linked to the supply point. It is best to be up to date before starting the switch.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Switching without reviewing the contracted power. If you take a badly adjusted power level to the new company, you keep overpaying.
• Looking only at the price per kWh. A tariff with a cheap kWh and an expensive power term can work out worse.
• Not reading the add-on services. Maintenance plans and insurance often slip into the contract.
• Agreeing by phone without seeing the contract. Always ask for the terms in writing before giving your consent.

How to know if it is worth it

The only serious way is to compare your real bill with the offers available, taking into account at the same time the price per kWh, the power term, the time bands and the extras. With those four things you know in minutes whether it is worth moving or not.

Frequently asked questions

Is the electricity cut off when you switch supplier in Spain?

No. The distributor, the cables and the meter stay the same: only the company that bills you changes. The supply is not interrupted at any point.

What documents do I need to change electricity company in Spain?

The CUPS code (shown on your bill), the DNI or NIE of the contract holder, a bank account for the direct debit and a recent bill.

How long does it take to switch electricity supplier in Spain?

Normally two to three weeks, in line with the billing cycle.

What happens if my contract has a lock-in period (permanencia)?

You can still switch, but your current supplier may apply a penalty, usually calculated on the benefit you received and pro rata for the months remaining. Ask for the exact amount before deciding.