How to compare electricity tariffs in Spain without being misled by the headline rate.

The price in cents per kilowatt-hour matters, but it cannot tell you the annual cost by itself. A household with modest consumption and unnecessarily high contracted power can lose more through its fixed power charge than it saves through a small energy discount. Another household may save by moving flexible demand into cheaper time periods. The calculation must match the home.

1. Collect the information from a real bill

Use a bill covering a normal period and, ideally, twelve months of consumption history. Note the supply address and postcode, the CUPS supply-point identifier, annual electricity use in kWh, contracted power in each period, access tariff, meter arrangement and current contract name. Record whether the bill includes maintenance, appliance cover or another paid service.

The QR code on many Spanish bills can open a pre-filled comparison at the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC). If that route is unavailable, enter the figures manually in the CNMC energy-offer comparator. Using your actual figures is important because two homes in the same postcode can receive a different ranking when their consumption or power differs.

2. Understand regulated and free-market supply

Spain has a regulated-market route and a free market. The regulated household product is known as PVPC and is supplied by designated reference suppliers to eligible customers. Free-market suppliers set their own product structures and commercial terms. A supplier group may operate different legal entities or brands for the two routes, so the logo alone does not identify the contract.

Do not assume either route is automatically cheapest. Eligibility, consumption pattern, current rules, discounts, price guarantees and service bundles all matter. Compare the estimated annual bill under the same assumptions and read which price components may change during the term.

3. Separate energy from contracted power

The energy term charges for electricity consumed. The power term charges for the capacity reserved for the supply, expressed in kW, whether or not that full capacity is used. Bills can show different prices and contracted levels for different time periods. Network charges, meter rental where applicable, electricity tax and VAT can also appear.

Lowering contracted power may reduce fixed costs, but it is a separate decision from changing supplier and should be based on the home’s simultaneous demand. Electric heating, vehicle charging, water heating, cooking and pool equipment can overlap. Reducing power too far may cause interruptions. Review recorded maximum demand where available or obtain qualified advice before making a large change.

4. Compare the total twelve-month estimate

For each offer, record the annual energy cost, annual power cost, estimated regulated charges and taxes, meter cost, compulsory fees and optional services. Remove an optional service from the comparison only if the supplier will genuinely sell the tariff without it. A discount tied to a maintenance product may be poor value once that product’s price is included.

Fictional comparison structure — not current supplier prices

Cost element	Offer A	Offer B
Energy estimate	€756	€714
Power estimate	€176	€214
Required service	€0	€108
Comparable subtotal	€932	€1,036

In this example, Offer B has the lower energy cost but the higher comparable subtotal. Real comparisons also need the applicable regulated charges and taxes. Use the CNMC result and supplier contract, rather than this illustration, for current figures.

5. Match the tariff structure to the household

A flat-price product can be simple, but simplicity does not guarantee a low annual cost. A time-of-use product can suit a home that shifts vehicle charging, laundry, dishwashing, water heating or battery charging. An indexed or dynamic product can expose the customer more directly to market movement. Ask what index is used, what supplier margin is added, how often the price changes and whether a smart meter is required.

When an offer is described as “fixed”, confirm exactly what is fixed. The energy price may be protected while regulated charges or taxes remain changeable. Check the fixed period, renewal method and any early-termination charge.

6. Check the contract before accepting

• Legal name of the supplier and exact tariff name.
• Energy and power prices, including every time period.
• Contract duration, price-review date and renewal method.
• Early-exit fee or minimum-stay condition.
• Compulsory maintenance, insurance or equipment services.
• Direct-debit, electronic-billing or loyalty conditions.
• Customer-service and complaint routes.
• Solar export terms if the property has self-consumption.

For a distance contract, review the cancellation information supplied with the agreement. CNMC consumer guidance explains that switching supplier is free and should take no more than 21 days, although a current contract can still contain an early-termination consequence. The new supplier normally manages the switching process; the electricity supply itself should not be interrupted.

7. Keep a record of the decision

Save the comparison result, tariff sheet, contract summary, full conditions and date. Photograph or download the last meter reading if useful. When the first bill arrives, compare it with the accepted offer: tariff name, energy prices, power prices, extra services and billing period. Contact the supplier promptly if they differ.

Official sources used

• CNMC energy-offer comparator
• CNMC consumer energy tools and switching information
• CNMC electricity retail and supply guidance

Rules and commercial offers change. Sources were reviewed on 31 July 2026; confirm current eligibility and prices before contracting.