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, explained for expats
Change the Iberdrola electricity holder
By Linus Palmqvist, Head of Operations Reviewed by Simon Nilsson Last reviewed The electricity at your new home is supplied by Iberdrola, and you need the bill in your name. You can complete the whole change in writing: the downloadable PDF document is the application, so you do not need to phone.
First: is the electricity still active?
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.
How Iberdrola handles it
Choose the route that feels easier for you. Both start with the active Iberdrola supply.
Let Settlewell do it in English
We can help you compare options and switch from Iberdrola.
- We make the call and handle the Spanish.
- We file the change and chase it until it is done.
- It is free.
Documents to have ready before you contact Iberdrola
- Supply reference and address
- Previous holder’s NIF (Spanish tax ID) or NIE (the ID number for foreigners in Spain), where required
- Incoming holder’s NIF or NIE and contact details
- Bank details
- Proof of your right to the home if former-holder details are missing
Phone and remote route
Contacting Iberdrola
You do not need to call. The PDF and email route keeps the whole application in writing. If you do call, Iberdrola does not promise an English-speaking agent.
If you speak to an agent, say: “Solicito el cambio de titular sin subrogación de deuda.” This means you want the holder changed without taking on the former holder’s debt.
We have prepared a Spanish call script that may helpExtra steps for your situation
Start with the part that matches your home. You do not need every document below.
If you rent the home
Send Iberdrola your signed lease. It shows your right to use the home. Ask the landlord or former holder not to cancel the active supply.
If you bought the home
Send Iberdrola your deed. Keep a meter photo from handover and ask for the change without taking on the seller’s debt.
If the former holder has died
Take this one step at a time. Show Iberdrola your present right to the home. Putting the electricity in your name does not by itself make the person’s electricity debt yours.
After divorce or separation
Send Iberdrola the court decision or approved agreement that gives you use of the home. Include your ID, CUPS, bank and contact details.
If the former holder owes money
Tell Iberdrola that you are not taking on the former holder’s debt. Send your lease or deed. Old debt can still slow the file.
Things that can slow this down
The guide says the landlord must apply
Iberdrola’s own form can be signed by the incoming holder. A tenant can show a signed lease as proof of the right to the home.
The form says subrogación
Do not choose contractual subrogation if it includes the former holder’s obligations. Use the ordinary change route.
A foreign EU IBAN fails online
Ask Iberdrola to process its bilingual SEPA form manually. It includes fields made for a foreign EU bank account.
Iberdrola holder change: common questions
Still have questions?
We can help with the rest of your move too
We do not resell Iberdrola supply, but we can help you compare rates and switch to one that could lower your yearly cost. We can help with the rest of your move, including gas, water, internet, home insurance and alarms.
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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