Utilities deregulation in Barcelona in 2003 put an end to the monopoly held by electricity distributor Fecsa Endesa and gas distributor Gas Natural.

Since then, consumers are allowed more options and can either choose between annual fixed tariffs or opt for the new, ‘free-market’ packages with variable rates. Newer companies such as Iberdrola also offer combined gas and electricity deals.

Water here is supplied exclusively by Aigues de Barcelona (Grupo Agbar). Shortages are rare in the city, though water bills are among the highest in Spain.

It’s common practice in Barcelona for landlords of small apartments to pay water bills. Some landlords ‘incorporate’ electricity and/or gas into the rent too.

Most contracts allow landlords to increase the rent a little every year, but only in line with inflation. If rises exceed this, and the reason is increased utilities bills, you should demand to see those bills over a preceding period.

Electricity
If you are the owner of a new house, and the electricity has not been installed or connected, you will need to phone Fecsa customer services (atención al cliente) on 90 250 77 50 (English spoken on request).

You will need the following documents from the seller or constructor: Certificado de Instalación de Baja Tensión (this may also be called the Boletín de Instalaciones Eléctricas) and the Documento de Primera Ocupación.

You may also be asked for the Cédula de Habitabilidad, a document that confirms a space is fit for habitation. If you do not have this, you can fill a form out at www.cedulahabitabilidad.com, and an inspector will be sent. Fees vary from EUR 130 to EUR 200, depending on the size of the apartment.

If the apartment you have bought or rent is already supplied with electricity, you only need to change the name of the account, la titularidad, to your own.

Do note that it’s often quicker to fill out forms on company web sites. To do this, you’ll have to register for their clients’ area, the oficina virtual or area de cliente, which provides you with a username and password.

Power Suppliers
Fecsa Endesa     90 250 77 50    www.endesa.es
Gas Natural     90 225 03 65    www.gasnatural.com
Iberdrola    90 120 20 20    www.iberdrola.es

Spain’s growing love affair with home air conditioning causes huge surges in demand every summer. Every degree below 25 you demand from your air-con unit requires an extra 8 percent of energy. The only other domestic appliance in your flat which will probably consume more electricity is the refrigerator.

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