Power still on
Change the holder
The supply is active, so this is a holder change. It is free and takes days.
Cambio de titular, in English
Change the electricity contract into your name
By Linus Palmqvist, Head of Operations Reviewed by Simon Nilsson Last reviewed Cambio de titular puts an active electricity contract in your name. It is free. Settlewell can handle the retailer process in English.
What cambio de titular means
Cambio de titular means changing the name on an active electricity contract. You ask the comercializadora, the retailer that sends the bill. It works with the distribuidora, the grid company that owns the wires and meter, if needed.
A normal holder change is free and the power stays on. It is not an alta de luz, which means turning on a cancelled supply or activating a new one. An alta can take longer and can cost money.
If electricity in Spain is new to you, read our electricity guide.
Choose the right path before anyone cancels
Power was cut off
Request an alta
The supply was cancelled, so this is an alta: a new activation. It takes weeks and can carry regulated connection charges, plus an electrician's fee if a new certificate is needed.
Do not let the seller, landlord or outgoing tenant cancel an active contract.
Which company sends your electricity bill?
Your new home already has a retailer. Find its name on a recent bill. You can also ask the previous owner or your estate agent, who often know. Then use that company's route to put the contract in your name.
Scroll the table sideways to see every route and phone number.
| Your retailer | How to contact them | Phone | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
 Endesa | Phone | From Spain: 800 76 09 09From abroad: +34 937 061 510 | Read Endesa guide |
 Iberdrola | Email or their form | From Spain: 900 225 235From abroad: +34 919 195 273 | Read Iberdrola guide |
 Naturgy | WhatsApp or their form | From Spain: 900 100 251From abroad: +34 912 100 100 | Read Naturgy guide |
 Repsol | Email their form | From Spain: 900 118 866From abroad: Not available | Read Repsol guide |
 Octopus | From Spain: 900 759 190From abroad: Not available | Read Octopus guide | |
 Plenitude | From Spain: 900 37 37 63From abroad: Not available | Read Plenitude guide |
Settlewell can put the contract in your name
We help in English, for free. We can also compare rates, suggest alternatives that could lower your yearly cost, and help with the rest of your move.
Leo and our team help you compare and set up in English
Step by step
- 1
Keep the supply active
Ask the seller, landlord or outgoing tenant not to cancel the contract.
- 2
Find the CUPS
Get the permanent supply-point code from a full bill.
- 3
Use your retailer's route
Use the phone, email, app, web or WhatsApp route your retailer publishes.
- 4
Show your right to the home
Send a lease, deed, judgment or inheritance document where needed.
- 5
Keep old debt separate
Ask for the change without taking on the former holder's debt.
What can go wrong
Do not let the seller, landlord or outgoing tenant cancel the electricity while it is still active.
Keep the power on and change the holder. If the old contract is cancelled, a free holder change becomes a new activation. That can mean regulated charges, a certificate or inspection, and time without power.
The CUPS is missing or wrong
The CUPS is the permanent code for the electricity supply point. Find it on a full bill. Ask the seller, landlord or property manager if you do not have one.
Old debt delays the request
The former holder's unpaid bill does not become yours with a normal holder change. It can still delay the request. Keep your lease, deed or other proof that you have the right to use the home.
An online form rejects your EU bank account
A retailer cannot refuse an EU bank account only because it is from another EU country. Ask the retailer to process it by hand if the form does not accept it.
A retailer asks for a new certificate because of age
Endesa and Plenitude still publish this old 20-year rule. The law changed in February 2026. For a normal change on an active supply, with no technical change, age alone is not a reason for a new certificate. If an agent says it is, the rule is on your side.
Changing electricity name in Spain: common questions
Still have questions?
About this content
Written by
Head of Operations at Settlewell
Linus moved from Sweden to Málaga in 2021 and set his own home up here, so most of this he has already done the hard way once. Before Settlewell he spent years at Workwide, the cross-border recruiter that has helped over 10,000 people into jobs abroad, latterly as its Head of Recruitment and Operations. He speaks Spanish, lives in Málaga with his partner, and spends his days on the phone to Spanish providers.
Reviewed by Simon Nilsson, Founder & CEOLast reviewed
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