Posted: Fri May 15, 2020 11:18pm
Hi Penny the Electricity standing charge in Spain is set differently to that in operation in the UK.
In the UK you pay a set monthly standing charge determined by whatever deal you have taken with one of the now very many supplier Companies.
In addition, you will also pay a consumption charge calculated on how much Electricity (Killowatt hours), your meter has registered you have used that billing period.
In Spain the consumption charge procedure is similar to that of the UK ,but the Standing charge set up is completely different.
In Spain the standing charge increases or decreases in tandem with whatever Capacity allowance you request from the Electricity Supplier.
This Capacity is rated as the number of Killowatts you are allowed to draw from the Supply at any one instance. The more Killowatts (Power) you ask for ,the higher your standing charge will be.
By the amount you have been charged for a month without any consumption of Electricity tends to suggest your capacity allowance may be in the region of 5.75 killowatts.
It is possible to reduce this billing amount by requesting a reduction in your permitted Capacity charge ( Standing charge ) ,but bear in mind if you do this you would reduce the number of Electrical Appliances you can use at any one Instant. If you exceeded the agreed capacity amount your Electricity meter is programmed to trip out and cut off your supply. You can reinstate the supply yourself, usually at the meter itself but have to turn off some appliance(s).
Another reason your bill could be that stated amount could be that your account is set up to also be debited monthly for 'additional' Services such as Breakdown cover for Kitchen appliances or call out cover for other internal Electrical problems
As RayD has suggested, a sighting of your bill could help in giving further guidance.
In relation to the Water charges, bear in mind that some Water Bill's also contain an amount for rubbish removal. The stated amount could well be correct but once again a sighting of your bill may help in clarifying the issue.
Note : Jims' Guides on this Forum give lots of more detailed advice on Spanish Electrical Supplies and Billing etc.
LeckyLes