Hidden extra on Spanish energy bills that could cost €100 a year
Expats in Spain could be paying for an extra electricity or gas service every month without realising exactly what it […]
Spanish expats may unknowingly pay up to €100 annually for hidden extras on their energy bills, according to Spanish energy adviser Álex Bermúdez. Bermúdez warns that these additional services, such as maintenance and assistance packages, can appear on electricity and gas contracts without the consumer realizing it. To avoid these unexpected charges, Bermúdez advises expats to carefully review their latest energy bill, particularly looking for sections labeled 'Servicios y otros conceptos' or 'Servicios y conceptos adicionales', which may include items like 'Servicio de mantenimiento', 'Servicio de caldera', or 'Serviplus'.
Spain's energy regulator, the CNMC, confirms that electricity bills may contain separately charged services such as installation maintenance, home insurance, and legal assistance. These payments must be itemized separately from the main electricity costs. Although not all additional services are necessarily problematic, it's essential to understand what you're paying for. For instance, a maintenance package can provide valuable coverage for electrical faults, boiler issues, or other household problems.
Bermúdez highlights specific services like Servigas, Serviplus, servicio de mantenimiento, and servicio de caldera that consumers should watch out for. However, discovering one of these names does not automatically mean you need to cancel the service. Before taking any action, it's crucial to understand what the service covers and how much it costs. Extra services can often be easy to overlook due to their small amount relative to the total energy bill, making them a seemingly harmless annual commitment.
For example, Endesa offers its Protección 360 Plus service at €5.78 per month, including VAT, which covers electrical faults, certain appliance repairs, locksmith services, plumbing and glazing assistance, and protection for electricity bills. This illustrates how various services can be bundled into a single package, sometimes without the consumer's explicit consent.
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