How to reduce the cost of your electricity bill
Legendary helpful member
Hi all,
I've used Tony Poole of Sparks Electrical ( www.sparksinspain.es ) several times for things such as extending wiring and installing new sockets, installing ceiling fans and outdoor sockets. I've always been pleased with his service and cost - and best of all, he always cleans up after himself! Also, Tony's wife, Elaine, offered to review my electricity bill and recommended that we change to the Night Plan ("Plan Noche"). That was 4 years ago and I have to admit to not having reviewed our electricity supply since, so I was interested to receive this article from them today. It may be of interest to other members.
Kind regards,
Kim
SPARKS ELECTRICAL SERVICES
We constantly hear people complaining that electricity is expensive in Spain. Social media is full of posts about the high cost of electricity and requests for advice about the cheapest provider.
Well here is everything you need to know, how to reduce your bill and get the best possible deal on the market.
Understanding your electricity bill and knowing the correct tariff to sign up for is the key to save money.
Three key reasons for high electricity bills:
- You are signed up for an expensive tariff, without even knowing.
- You are paying hidden extras, insurances and services you never use.
- You do not understand your bill, it all looks like gobbledygook.
If you think that you fall into any of the above traps, then read on…..
Contrary to what some people believe, IBERDROLA is the cheapest provider. You just have to know what to look for!
If your contract is with IBERDROLA CLIENTES (they’re the folk that IBERDROLA employ to run the high street points and the pop up stands in shopping centres and supermarkets), it is a FIXED price. IBERDROLA CLIENTES is similar to a franchise, which is called a “Marketeer” here in Spain. It’s a facility set up with several options for their customers, including insurance policies and multiple language services.
If you have switched to another provider, initially, you get a honeymoon period with a slightly better deal, but you will probably end up paying more in the long run. Ultimately, you are just paying a third party to pay IBERDROLA, as they own the whole infrastructure in this area.
Get Smart – how your smart meter can save you money:
Enter the new Variable Price for the Small Consumer (PVPC) now available from IBERDROLA, but this tariff is not available through IBERDROLA CLIENTES.
With the introduction of smart meters throughout Spain, consumers can take advantage of the real time fluctuating cost of producing electricity which is fixed daily by the government. Basically, you can cut out the marketeers.
Go compare:
The PVPC tariff is a basic contract with no extras, no thrills and no add ons.
Typical rates for the PVPC with Night Plan tariff per kWh:
Peak : 11.8 cents. Off Peak : 5.3 cents (daily average)
Compare the rates with IBERDROLA CLIENTES Night Plan per kWh:
Peak : 18.3 cents. Off Peak : 9.1 cents (fixed for 12 months)
The cost of the standing charge:
Regulated rate: 11.1 cents x contracted power (kW) x per day
CLIENTES: 12.3 cents x contracted power (kW) x per day
Contracted power = the amount of power you signed up for. Typical examples are 3.45 kW, 5.75 kW, 9.2 kW.
The bottom line: the PVPC tariff provides the lowest rates and standing charge currently available on the market.
Cut out the marketeers and see big savings on your electricity bill.