Granada

💡

Utilities

Sections

1. Electricity (Electricidad)

Main Service Providers

  • Endesa: The largest electricity provider in Spain and the most common in Granada.
  • Iberdrola: Another major provider offering competitive rates.
  • Naturgy: Provides both electricity and gas services.
  • Holaluz and Repsol: Smaller providers with green energy options.

Average Costs

  • Electricity in Spain is billed monthly or bimonthly, and costs depend on your consumption and tariff.
  • Average monthly cost: €50–€100 for a small apartment, depending on usage.
  • Tariffs: Most providers offer time-of-use tariffs (e.g., cheaper rates during off-peak hours).

How to Set Up Electricity

  1. Contact the provider: Choose a provider and contact them online, by phone, or in person.
  2. Documents required:
    • NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) or DNI (Spanish ID).
    • Proof of address (rental contract or property deed).
    • Bank account details for direct debit payments.
    • CUPS number (unique code for your property’s electricity connection, found on the previous bill or provided by the landlord).
  3. Connection time: It usually takes 1–7 days to activate the service.

Payment Methods

  • Direct debit (most common).
  • Online payment through the provider’s website or app.
  • Payment at banks or authorized payment points.

Local Tips

  • Granada has a high demand for heating in winter, so consider energy-efficient appliances to save on costs.
  • Check if your rental property already has an active electricity contract to avoid reconnection fees.

2. Water (Agua)

Main Service Provider

  • Emasagra: The sole water utility company in Granada, responsible for water supply and sewage services.

Average Costs

  • Monthly cost: €20–€40, depending on usage and household size.
  • Water bills include a fixed fee and a variable fee based on consumption.

How to Set Up Water Service

  1. Contact Emasagra: Visit their office, call, or use their website.
  2. Documents required:
    • NIE or DNI.
    • Proof of address (rental contract or property deed).
    • Bank account details for direct debit.
    • Previous water bill (if available).
  3. Connection time: Service is usually activated within a few days.

Payment Methods

  • Direct debit (preferred).
  • Online payment through Emasagra’s website.
  • Payment at banks or authorized locations.

Local Tips

  • Granada has a good-quality water supply, so tap water is safe to drink.
  • Be mindful of water usage, especially in summer, as Granada can experience droughts.

3. Gas (Gas)

Main Service Providers

  • Naturgy: A leading provider of natural gas in Spain.
  • Endesa: Offers combined electricity and gas packages.
  • Repsol: Supplies bottled gas (butane/propane) and piped gas.

Average Costs

  • Monthly cost: €30–€60 for piped gas, depending on usage.
  • Bottled gas (butane/propane): Around €18–€20 per bottle, commonly used for heating and cooking in older buildings.

How to Set Up Gas Service

  1. Contact the provider: Choose a provider and contact them to set up a contract.
  2. Documents required:
    • NIE or DNI.
    • Proof of address.
    • Bank account details.
    • Certificate of installation (Certificado de Instalación de Gas) for piped gas.
  3. Connection time: Piped gas installation may take 1–2 weeks. Bottled gas can be purchased immediately from local suppliers or hardware stores.

Payment Methods

  • Direct debit for piped gas.
  • Cash or card for bottled gas.

Local Tips

  • Many older homes in Granada use bottled gas, so check with your landlord about the type of gas supply.
  • If using bottled gas, ensure you have a safe storage area and know how to connect the bottles properly.

4. Internet (Internet)

Main Service Providers

  • Movistar: Offers fiber-optic internet, TV, and phone packages.
  • Vodafone: Provides competitive internet and mobile plans.
  • Orange: Offers fiber-optic and ADSL services.
  • MásMóvil: A budget-friendly option with good coverage in Granada.
  • Yoigo: Another affordable provider with fiber-optic options.

Average Costs

  • Monthly cost: €30–€60 for fiber-optic internet (100–600 Mbps).
  • Many providers offer bundled packages with TV and mobile services for €50–€80.

How to Set Up Internet

  1. Choose a provider: Compare plans online or visit a local store.
  2. Documents required:
    • NIE or DNI.
    • Proof of address.
    • Bank account details.
  3. Connection time: Installation usually takes 1–2 weeks.

Payment Methods

  • Direct debit (most common).
  • Online payment through the provider’s website.

Local Tips

  • Granada has good fiber-optic coverage, especially in urban areas.
  • Check if your building is pre-wired for fiber-optic internet to speed up installation.

5. Waste Management (Gestión de Residuos)

Service Provider

  • Inagra: The municipal waste management company in Granada.

How It Works

  • Waste collection is organized by the city, and bins are located on most streets.
  • Types of bins:
    • Yellow: Plastic and cans.
    • Blue: Paper and cardboard.
    • Green: Glass.
    • Grey: General waste.
  • Organic waste collection is not yet widespread in Granada.

Costs

  • Waste management fees are included in your municipal taxes (paid annually or semi-annually by property owners or landlords).

Local Tips

  • Recycling is encouraged, and fines may be imposed for improper waste disposal.
  • Large items (e.g., furniture) can be collected by Inagra for free. Call their hotline to schedule a pickup.
  • Granada has specific collection times for certain types of waste, so check local guidelines.

General Tips for Utilities in Granada

  1. Language: Most utility providers operate in Spanish, so having basic Spanish knowledge or a translator app can be helpful.
  2. Bank Account: Opening a Spanish bank account is highly recommended for setting up direct debits.
  3. Rental Agreements: Check with your landlord if utilities are already included in your rent or if you need to set them up yourself.
  4. Energy Efficiency: Granada experiences hot summers and cold winters, so invest in energy-efficient appliances and insulation to save on utility bills.
  5. Customer Service: Most providers have online portals or apps for managing your account, paying bills, and checking usage.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to set up and manage your utilities in Granada, ensuring a smooth transition to life in this beautiful city. Let me know if you need further assistance!