Purchasing or renting a holiday property on the Costa Blanca is a big step – filled with sunshine, sea, and Mediterranean lifestyle. But before you can fully enjoy your new home, some essential basics need to be taken care of. This includes registering or transferring electricity, gas, and water services. In Spain, this process may initially seem unfamiliar to foreigners, especially since each region – and sometimes each municipality – has its own procedures. In this article, we explain what you need to consider and how we, as a German-speaking property management service, can support you.
1. Registering or Transferring Electricity – How It Works
In Spain, electricity is supplied by private providers – the most well-known are Iberdrola, Endesa, and Naturgy. If you have purchased a property, the electricity contract must be transferred into your name or, if no active supply exists, newly applied for.
The following documents are usually required:
- Proof of ownership (Escritura) or rental contract
- NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjeros)
- IBAN of a Spanish bank account for direct debit
- Copy of ID (passport or national ID card)
- Installation certificate (Boletín Eléctrico) – for new connections or prolonged disuse
Registration can be done by phone, online, or in person at a customer service center – usually only in Spanish. The first invoice typically arrives within a month.
2. Applying for or Taking Over a Water Connection
Water supply in Spain is usually managed by the local municipality or a regional company such as Hidraqua or Aguas de Valencia. Unlike electricity, there is no open market.
Here as well: if a connection already exists, the contract is transferred. If not, a new connection must be requested. Depending on the municipality, the following documents may be required:
- Proof of ownership or rental contract
- Copy of ID
- NIE number
- Bank details
- Current water meter reading (in case of transfer)
The change is usually processed in person at the town hall or local customer center. Processing times are often short, but there are no standardized office hours or multilingual services – that’s where we actively support our clients.
3. Gas Connection and Supply – What You Need to Know
In many areas of the Costa Blanca, there is no central natural gas network. Gas is often supplied via gas bottles (bombonas) or liquefied gas tanks (depósitos de gas). If your property is connected to the natural gas network, you will need to register with a provider such as Naturgy or Nedgia.
Required documents:
- Installation certificate (Boletín de gas)
- Proof of ownership or rental contract
- Copy of ID and NIE
- Bank account information
Bottled gas is typically delivered by local suppliers. Initial registration (including a safety check) can be somewhat bureaucratic – we’re happy to assist with this too.
4. Costs and Contract Terms at a Glance
Ongoing costs for electricity, gas, and water depend on consumption, provider choice, and tariff structure. Most contracts are open-ended and can be cancelled monthly. Registration or contract transfer costs between €30 and €100, sometimes more for new connections or reactivations.
5. Our Service for Property Owners – Everything from One Source
Especially if you are not permanently on site or do not speak the language, registering electricity, water and gas can become a real obstacle. As a German-speaking property management company on the Costa Blanca, we handle the entire process for you – reliably, professionally, and transparently.
Our service for you:
- Communication with utility providers and authorities
- Submission of all required documents
- Coordination with technicians or inspection services
- Setting up standing orders for payment
- Review of the first invoices and tariff options
Whether you use your property yourself or rent it out – we make sure everything runs smoothly before you or your guests arrive.
Conclusion: Well-supplied from the start
Registering electricity, gas, and water is one of the first steps when putting a holiday home in Spain into operation. With proper preparation – or a reliable partner on site – this process can be completed quickly and securely. Rely on our experience and let us handle the formalities – so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your property.
Photo credit: renatahamuda – elements.envato.com