Electricity guide for expats in Spain
Electricity Companies in Spain: Complete Guide for Expats 2026
Compare the 8 main electricity providers in Spain for expats. Prices, permanence, English support, and how to switch in 21 days without power cuts.
Moving to Spain means navigating a new energy market — one that works differently from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, or the US. The good news: you have choice. The bad news: most comparison sites are in Spanish, prices change monthly, and the fine print hides the real cost.
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How the Spanish Electricity Market Works
Spain has a liberalised market since 2009. That means you choose your retailer (comercializadora) — the company that bills you — while your distributor (distribuidora) stays fixed by geography. You can't pick your distributor; they own the wires and meters in your area (e.g., i-DE in Madrid, e-distribución in Andalucía, UFD in Galicia).
Why this matters: Your distributor charges regulated network fees (access tolls, capacity charges, meter rental). These are the same no matter which retailer you pick. What changes is the energy price (€/kWh) and the power price (€/kW day) — plus any extra services, loyalty discounts, or penalties.
Two market types exist:
- Free market (mercado libre): You negotiate a contract with any retailer. Prices can be fixed, indexed to wholesale, or hybrid. Most expats end up here.
- Regulated market (PVPC / Tarifa de Último Recurso): Price changes hourly, set by the wholesale market. Only a few designated retailers offer it. No permanence, but you're exposed to price spikes.
Bottom line: Comparing retailers on the energy component alone saves money. The distributor fees are unavoidable — but a bad retailer adds €200–400/year in inflated margins, hidden permanence clauses, or services you never use.
Top 8 Electricity Providers in Spain Compared (2026)
| Provider | Est. Price (€/kWh) | Power Term (€/kW day) | Permanence | Extra Services | English Support | Trustpilot / Google |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endesa | ~0.145–0.165 | ~0.10–0.12 | 12 months (most plans) | Maintenance, insurance, EV charging | Yes (web/app + phone) | 3.8 / 4.1 |
| Iberdrola | ~0.140–0.160 | ~0.10–0.11 | 12 months | Smart home, solar, EV, maintenance | Yes (web/app + phone) | 3.7 / 4.0 |
| Naturgy | ~0.135–0.155 | ~0.09–0.11 | 12 months | Maintenance, insurance, solar | Limited (web only) | 3.5 / 3.8 |
| Repsol | ~0.130–0.150 | ~0.09–0.10 | 12 months | Fuel discounts, solar, EV | Yes (web/app) | 3.9 / 4.2 |
| Octopus Energy | ~0.125–0.145 | ~0.08–0.10 | None | Agile tariffs, EV, heat pumps | Excellent (native EN) | 4.6 / 4.7 |
| Holaluz | ~0.120–0.140 | ~0.08–0.09 | None | Solar compensation, green energy | Good (web/app) | 4.4 / 4.5 |
| Factorenergia | ~0.115–0.135 | ~0.07–0.09 | 12 months (some plans) | Basic maintenance | Limited | 4.1 / 4.2 |
| Nordy (Voltaris partner) | ~0.110–0.130 | ~0.07–0.08 | None | Free bill review, multi-language support | Native EN/DE/FR/NL | 4.8 / 4.9 |
Notes on the table:
- Prices are estimates for a typical 2.0TD domestic supply (≤15 kW) in Q4 2026, VAT excluded. Your actual rate depends on consumption profile, contracted power, and region.
- "Power term" = what you pay for contracted capacity (P1 peak / P2 off-peak). Many households over-contract — dropping from 5.75 kW to 3.45 kW can save €60–90/year.
- Permanence is the killer. Endesa, Iberdrola, Naturgy, Repsol, and Factorenergia typically lock you in for 12 months with €50–150 exit fees. Octopus, Holaluz, and Nordy don't.
- English support varies wildly. "Yes" on a website often means a translated FAQ, not a human who answers the phone. Octopus and Nordy (via Voltaris) offer actual native-speaking support.
5 Things to Check Before You Choose a Provider
Total annual cost — not the headline €/kWh
A tariff advertising 0.11 €/kWh may charge 0.14 €/kW·day for power. If you have 5.75 kW contracted, that's €294/year just for capacity. Another tariff at 0.13 €/kWh with 0.08 €/kW·day could be cheaper overall. Ask for a full-year simulation with your consumption data.
Permanence and exit fees
Read the small print. "No permanence" sometimes only applies to the energy price — the bundled maintenance pack might have its own 12-month lock-in. If you're renting or unsure how long you'll stay, avoid any contract with a penalty clause.
Contracted power (potencia) — are you overpaying?
Most Spanish homes have 4.6–5.75 kW contracted. Real peak demand is often 2–3 kW. Each kW you don't need costs €30–45/year. A proper bill review (we do it free) tells you exactly what you need.
English-speaking support — real or automated?
Test it before you sign. Call or chat: do you get a native speaker, or a bot that redirects to a Spanish FAQ? When the power goes out or the bill looks wrong, you need someone who understands your problem in your language.
Green energy — certified or marketing?
"100% renewable" claims are common. Look for Guarantees of Origin (GdO) from the CNMC — the only legal proof in Spain. Octopus, Holaluz, and Nordy publish their GdO allocation transparently.
How to Switch Electricity Provider in Spain (Step by Step)
Switching is free, takes ~21 calendar days, and your power is never cut. The distributor handles the physical switch; you only deal with paperwork.
Documents you need
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| CUPS code | 20–22 digits, starts with ES. Found on any bill (top right). |
| DNI / NIE / Passport | NIE for residents, passport accepted by some retailers. |
| IBAN (SEPA) | Spanish or any EU account. Direct debit is standard. |
| Current contract holder name | Must match the CUPS holder. If the contract is in your landlord's name, you need their authorisation or a new contract (alta). |
The process
- Compare — use your last 12 months of consumption (kWh) and contracted power (kW). We do this free in English.
- Choose — pick a tariff with no permanence, transparent pricing, and real support.
- Sign — online or by phone. The new retailer sends the contract; you sign digitally.
- Wait — the new retailer notifies your distributor. The switch happens at the next meter reading cycle (max 21 days).
- Confirm — you'll get a final bill from the old provider and a welcome pack from the new one. No action needed on your side.
FAQ — Quick Answers for Expats
Can I switch electricity provider if I rent?
Yes. The contract holder must authorise the change. If the bills are in your name, you can switch freely. If they're in the landlord's name, ask them to sign or request a new connection (alta) in your name — costs ~€50–90 depending on power.
Do I need a Spanish bank account?
No. Any SEPA IBAN (EU/EEA) works for direct debit. Some retailers accept UK accounts post-Brexit — check before signing.
What is the CUPS code and where do I find it?
Universal Supply Point Code — your meter's unique ID. 20–22 digits starting with ES. Top right of any electricity bill. Example: ES0021123456789012AB3F.
Will my power be cut during the switch?
Never. The distributor switches the supply remotely at the meter. No technician visits, no interruption.
How long does it take to switch?
15–21 calendar days from signing. It aligns with your meter reading cycle. You keep receiving power from the old retailer until the switch date.
Can I keep my current contracted power?
Yes — but you probably shouldn't. Most homes over-contract. A free bill review tells you the real peak you need. Dropping 1–2 kW saves €30–90/year with zero downside.
What if I have solar panels?
You need a surplus compensation tariff (excedentes). Not all retailers offer fair rates. Octopus, Holaluz, and Nordy publish their compensation prices (typically €0.05–0.09/kWh). Ask for the exact rate before switching.
Are there penalties for switching?
Only if your current contract has a permanence clause. Check your contract or last bill for "compromiso de permanencia" or "penalización por baja anticipada." If you're outside the window, it's free.
Ready to Stop Guessing?
You've read the market. You know the traps. Now get a real number — based on your consumption, your power, your bills.
Start your free study →Voltaris works with Nordy and other retailers to bring expats transparent energy deals. Our review service is free — we earn a commission from the retailer only if you switch through us. You always see the full comparison before deciding.