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 Octopus electricity holder
By Linus Palmqvist, Head of Operations Reviewed by Simon Nilsson Last reviewed The electricity at your new home is supplied by Octopus Energy Spain, and you need the bill in your name. Send the new holder’s details by email. You can call from Spain, but Octopus publishes no household number for calls from abroad.
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 Octopus handles it
Choose the route that feels easier for you. Both start with the active Octopus supply.
Let Settlewell do it in English
We can handle the Octopus holder change for you.
- We make the call and handle the Spanish.
- We file the change and chase it until it is done.
- It is free.
- If you are abroad, you cannot phone Octopus. It publishes no number that works from outside Spain.
Documents to have ready before you contact Octopus
- Incoming holder’s complete details
- DNI (the Spanish national ID card), or an equivalent document if requested
- Contact, supply, meter and payment details
- Proof of your right to the home where needed
Phone and remote route
Contacting Octopus
There is no overseas household number. Email complete details to [email protected]. Ask for written confirmation and keep the same contracted capacity until activation.
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 Octopus 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 Octopus 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 Octopus 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 Octopus 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 Octopus 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 old Octopus holder cannot take part
Send proof that you rent or own the home. Octopus’s FAQ and contract terms disagree about whether both people must sign.
You also want to change the potencia
Keep the same contracted capacity for the holder change. Ask Octopus for the technical change after activation.
There is no Octopus phone you can ring from abroad
Use [email protected]. Ask for written confirmation and keep a copy of your email.
Octopus holder change: common questions
Still have questions?
We can help with the rest of your move too
We can also compare rates and suggest an alternative 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
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and personalize content. By clicking "Accept", you consent to our use of cookies. You can manage your preferences at any time.