Madrid
Gas, Electricity, Water in Madrid
Gas Services in Madrid
Although only 1% of the gas consumed in Spain comes from domestic production, the country is a renowned gas importer. In 2015, Spain received natural gas from 11 different countries; Among them the most important ones are; Algeria (55%) followed by France (13%), Qatar (9%) and Nigeria (8%).
When moving into a property with mains gas, you must contact the local gas company to have the gas switched on, the meter read and to sign a supply contract. As with electricity, you're billed every two months and bills include VAT (IVA) at 16%.
In some areas of Spain, gas bottles (bombonas) are delivered to homes both by Repsol Butano (the company responsible for distributing gas bottles), for which a contract is required; or by a truck, which will be passing by each neighbourhood at specific times and day and you just have to go to ask for a bottle. In Repsol petrol station there is always a supply of bottles too. Some old properties require having a maintenance contract.
The following companies are the most common providers:
For further information visit:
Gobierno de España
Ministerio de Energía, Turismo y Agenda Digital
Paseo de la Castellana 160, 28046
Madrid, España.
Tel: 91 349 46 40 | 902 446 006
Electricity Services
The state-owned Endesa (https://www.endesaclientes.com/hogares.html ) also handles the electricity market in Spain.
The electricity supply in most of Spain is 220 volts with a frequency of 50 hertz (cycles). However, some areas still have a 110volt supply. In Spain the power sockets are of type F. You might have to buy transformers. They have to be capable of handling the wattage of the appliance otherwise it will overheat and you might ruin the appliance.
Electricity bills are sent out every two months, usually after meters have been read. However, electricity companies are permitted to make an estimate of your consumption every second period without reading the meter.
Setting up a contract
For setting up a contract you need to bring the following documents to the closest Endesa local office:
- Copy of NIE (número de identificación de extranjero),
- Copy of Deeds or rental contract,
- Details for the direct debit and contact person,
- In the case of second-hand properties an old electricity bill to show the contract number for the change of holder will be requested.
A technician will pass by the property between one to five working days counting from the following day of the setting up. He/she will call the contact person to inform of the day and time to set up the meter, as somebody needs to be in the apartment.
Be aware that setting up a contract might be very expensive depending on the potency hired. It might vary from 165€ for a 3,45kW power up to 423€ for 9,2kW.
For more information visit:
Endesa
Edificio Endesa
Ribera del Loira Street 60,
Madrid, España
Tel: 800 76 09 09 (From Spain)
Tel: 0034 937 061 510 (From abroad)
Water Services
Public water mains are administered and maintained by local authorities. This water is supplied to homes and businesses in urban areas.
In some municipalities, water distribution is the responsibility of a private company. The cost of connection to the local water supply for a new home varies considerably from around 50 € up to 300 € (when a private company controls the distribution).
In most municipalities there's a standing quarterly charge or a monthly charge for a minimum consumption (canón de consumo), e.g. 14 cubic meters a month or 10€ a month plus IVA at 7%, even if you don't use any water during the billing period. Moreover, the average tariff for water supply and sanitation is EUR 1.50/m3
To set up the connection, the documents to bring to the local water offices will be the same, as for electricity, also an old water bill for second hand properties. Supply will be given between 24 to 48 hours to count from the contract setting up date.
The following companies are the most common providers:
- Endesa (https://www.endesaclientes.com/hogares.html )
- HCEnergia (http://www.hcenergia.com/en/portal.do )
- Iberdrola
- Gas Natural Fenosa
For more information:
Canal Isabel II
Calle Santa Engracia 125,
28003 Madrid.
Tel: 900 365 365
Fax: 91 545 14 30
Update 8/06/2018
Related articles:
When you move internationally you are taking a big step. Lots of things are changing and you have a million things to think about and take care of. If you are able to select a top of the line moving company that moves for a modest price, it can take a big weight of your shoulders in busy times.
Our network of international removal companies can move your furniture & possessions to Spain and anywhere overseas.
Filling in the form will allow you to request up to 5 quotes from various moving companies. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.
12/06/2007
information for "gas, water & electricity" in
This is information for "gas, water & electricity" in Spain:
1)Gas: In villages there will not be gas pipes mainly, and main cities are working now on a gas pipe network, only it is slow work as it means cutting off streets, etc. The Butano gas bottles are not actually delivered at home, but a truck will do the round of the town, passing by each neighbourhood at specific times and days, and you just lean on your window and call out your needs or go downstairs to ask for a bottle. The man will get it to your apartment for you and pick the empty one, and after paying him it is customary to give him a tip, like twenty or fifty cents. In Repsol petrol station there is always a supply of bottles for those who can't be at home when the gas man passes by. Always remember to keep the bottles, full or empty, in a secure place and never under the sun.
New properties have usually everything electric. But older properties, when changing hands, need to have the gas installation checked out by a technician from Repsol and then you can establish a maintenance contract with them. By law, apart from being in perfect working order, there must be a grill near the ceiling and another at floor level to allow air circulation, plus the boiler has to have a pipe on the top leading to the outside. Failing any of this, the technician will refuse to give a certificate, so no maintenance contract can't be drawn, plus the natural danger of letting the fumes accumulate in the room.
2)Electricity: the phone number for Endesa customer service is 902 509 509 and they have got English speaking staff. New rules dictate that the main switchcase has to have a power control device installed, which is to the cost of the contract holder, therefore right now all old properties are being checked by technicians as most of them don't have this. The Endesa technician will bring the device when doing the inspection and if asked install it. Also, a new regulation has come out by which the direct debit bank account holder can only be the contract holder: therefore, for rented apartments, either the contract is changed to the tenant (having to pay again for the service) and then they can give their bank details; or the contract stays in the name of the owner, the direct debit is cancelled and the tenant pays physically at the bank; or else the owner pays for the bill and then claims the amount to the tenant.
For setting up a contract you need to bring to the Endesa local office: copy of NIE, copy of Deeds or rental contract and details for the direct debit and contact person, and in the case of second hand properties an old electricity bill to show the contract number for the change of holder. A technician will then pass by the property between one to five working days counting from the following day of the setting up, calling the contact person to inform of the day and time to set up the meter, as somebody needs to be in the apartment.
3)Water: if buying a new property (especially if it is a villa or townhouse) ask if the conecction between the main pipe and the supply pipe leading to the house has been made by the developer, otherwise the owner must run with the costs. The documents to bring to the local water offices will be the same, also an old water bill for second hand properties. Supply will be given between 24 to 48 hours to count from the contract setting up date. Remember that the main supply key inside the apartment might be turned off for security reasons, check it is on before calling a plumber or the water office to ask why is there no supply.
Ask if the bills can be posted to your usual address instead of to the apartment. Also, Endesa has got web access for bills, you just need to register. And keep your bank account topped up to meet the bills or the supply will be cut off inmediately, also when there are unpaid bills they must be paid at the bank, and the direct debit details need to be given again because they get deleted from the file.
1)Gas: In villages there will not be gas pipes mainly, and main cities are working now on a gas pipe network, only it is slow work as it means cutting off streets, etc. The Butano gas bottles are not actually delivered at home, but a truck will do the round of the town, passing by each neighbourhood at specific times and days, and you just lean on your window and call out your needs or go downstairs to ask for a bottle. The man will get it to your apartment for you and pick the empty one, and after paying him it is customary to give him a tip, like twenty or fifty cents. In Repsol petrol station there is always a supply of bottles for those who can't be at home when the gas man passes by. Always remember to keep the bottles, full or empty, in a secure place and never under the sun.
New properties have usually everything electric. But older properties, when changing hands, need to have the gas installation checked out by a technician from Repsol and then you can establish a maintenance contract with them. By law, apart from being in perfect working order, there must be a grill near the ceiling and another at floor level to allow air circulation, plus the boiler has to have a pipe on the top leading to the outside. Failing any of this, the technician will refuse to give a certificate, so no maintenance contract can't be drawn, plus the natural danger of letting the fumes accumulate in the room.
2)Electricity: the phone number for Endesa customer service is 902 509 509 and they have got English speaking staff. New rules dictate that the main switchcase has to have a power control device installed, which is to the cost of the contract holder, therefore right now all old properties are being checked by technicians as most of them don't have this. The Endesa technician will bring the device when doing the inspection and if asked install it. Also, a new regulation has come out by which the direct debit bank account holder can only be the contract holder: therefore, for rented apartments, either the contract is changed to the tenant (having to pay again for the service) and then they can give their bank details; or the contract stays in the name of the owner, the direct debit is cancelled and the tenant pays physically at the bank; or else the owner pays for the bill and then claims the amount to the tenant.
For setting up a contract you need to bring to the Endesa local office: copy of NIE, copy of Deeds or rental contract and details for the direct debit and contact person, and in the case of second hand properties an old electricity bill to show the contract number for the change of holder. A technician will then pass by the property between one to five working days counting from the following day of the setting up, calling the contact person to inform of the day and time to set up the meter, as somebody needs to be in the apartment.
3)Water: if buying a new property (especially if it is a villa or townhouse) ask if the conecction between the main pipe and the supply pipe leading to the house has been made by the developer, otherwise the owner must run with the costs. The documents to bring to the local water offices will be the same, also an old water bill for second hand properties. Supply will be given between 24 to 48 hours to count from the contract setting up date. Remember that the main supply key inside the apartment might be turned off for security reasons, check it is on before calling a plumber or the water office to ask why is there no supply.
Ask if the bills can be posted to your usual address instead of to the apartment. Also, Endesa has got web access for bills, you just need to register. And keep your bank account topped up to meet the bills or the supply will be cut off inmediately, also when there are unpaid bills they must be paid at the bank, and the direct debit details need to be given again because they get deleted from the file.
Do you have comments or personal information to communicate about this article? Add your comment.
Find links about moving in / gas, electricity, water in Madrid and a lot more in The links of expatriation.
Find more definitions and general answers on expatriation issues in the Expat FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).
Go to the Forum to talk more about gas, electricity, water in Madrid, moving in.