New connections (alta nueva) and the electrical certificate (boletín eléctrico)

Terms used

• Alta — The alta is the start of a supply contract; an alta nueva is a brand-new connection to the network.
• Boletín — The boletín is the electrical installation certificate, issued by an authorised installer, that the distributor asks for on a new connection.
• Cédula de habitabilidad — The cédula de habitabilidad is a certificate that a home meets habitability standards, required in some regions.
• Acometida — The acometida is the physical water connection between your home and the public main.
• Derechos de acceso — The derechos de acceso are a regulated charge, per kW contracted, paid to the distributor for a new supply.

Key rules

• Reactivation: If the meter and connection are still in place and the supply point is active, a change of holder is usually enough.
• Boletín: A new electricity alta needs the boletín from an authorised installer, registered with the regional authority.
• Fees: Regulated connection charges go to the distributor, which publishes the current rates.
• Water: Water connections are handled separately by the local operator or town hall, with local fees.

Reactivate first, if you can

A new connection (alta nueva) is the slower, costlier route. If the meter and connection are still in place and the supply point is still active, a change of holder or a reconnection with the same power is usually enough. Try that first. The distributor decides on the technical state of the installation, so ask it before you book anything.

When you need a new alta

You normally need a new alta when:

• the old contract was cancelled (baja) and the connection was physically removed;
• the supply has been cut off for a long time. Distributors often treat a supply cut off for more than about two years as lapsed, but the limit differs by distributor and region;
• you need more power than the installation allows;
• the installation no longer meets the rules, or its certificate is missing or out of date.

The decision tool below helps you pick the route.

The electrical certificate (boletín)

A new electricity alta needs a Certificado de Instalación Eléctrica, also called the boletín. An authorised installer issues it and registers it with the regional industry authority. The distributor asks for it along with the supply point data, your title or lease, and, where your region requires one, proof of a licence of first occupation or a cédula de habitabilidad.

The certificate itself does not expire. But many regions want a recent one, or an inspection of an older installation. In practice 20 years is often the age at which an older installation is checked when a supply is reactivated. Ask the distributor what your region expects.

If the previous supply is still active and the power does not change, you usually do not need a new boletín.

Electricity fees

You pay regulated charges to the distributor, not to your electricity company. They are:

• derechos de extensión: the cost of extending the network to your home, only when it is needed;
• derechos de acceso: a charge per kW you contract, typically a few tens of euros per kW;
• derechos de enganche: a small fixed fee for connecting to the network;
• derechos de verificación: a small fixed fee for checking the installation.

The Ministry revises these amounts from time to time. Ask the distributor for its current published rates before you commit. Your electricity company may pass the charges on through your bill.

Water is separate

A new water connection (acometida) is handled by the local water operator or your town hall, so requirements and costs vary by area. Expect to show proof of ownership or title, the building or occupation licence, and the plans or a technical report for the connection. You may also need a licence for works on the public road.

Expect a connection fee that depends on pipe diameter and the work involved, plus the cost of the meter. Some places also ask for a deposit. Ask the operator or town hall for the current figures.

Next steps

Use the checklist below for the order of calls, and the documents list for what to gather.

Choosing between options

Does your long-empty home need a new alta or can you reactivate the old supply?

• Apply for a new alta: The old contract was ended and the connection removed, the supply has been cut off for a long time, you need more power than the installation allows, or the certificate is missing or out of date.

If the meter and connection are still there and the supply is active, reactivate; if any of the new-alta cases applies, apply for a new alta. The distributor makes the final call on the technical state.

Documents you need

• Electrical installation certificate (Certificado de Instalación Eléctrica, also called boletín): issued by an authorised installer (empresa instaladora) and registered with the regional industry authority. Some regions want it to be recent or the installation inspected.

• Property title or lease, to show you have the right to the home.

• CUPS or connection data for the supply, which the distributor asks for with the certificate.

• Licence of first occupation or cédula de habitabilidad: needed only where your region requires one.

• For a new water connection (acometida): proof of ownership or title, the building or occupation licence, and the plans or technical report for the connection.

• Licence for works on the public road: often needed for the water connection, depending on your town.

Checklist

• Ask an authorised installer for the electrical installation certificate (boletín) and have it registered with the regional industry authority.

• Ask the distributor for its published rates for access (per kW contracted), enganche and verificación before you choose your contracted power.

• Ask the distributor whether the network needs extending to your home, since that adds an extension charge.

• Check with the distributor whether your region wants a recent certificate or an inspection of an older installation.

• Contact the local water operator or town hall to ask for the connection fee, meter cost and any deposit.

• Ask the water operator whether you need a licence for works on the public road.

Frequently asked questions

Does a long-empty home always need a new alta?

No, a long-empty home only needs a new alta in some cases, such as when the old contract was ended and the connection removed. If the meter and connection are still in place and the supply is active, a change of holder or a reconnection with the same power is usually enough.

How long can a home be cut off before the supply counts as lapsed?

Distributors often treat a supply cut off for more than about two years as lapsed, though the limit differs by distributor and region. After that you will probably need a new alta. Ask the distributor before you plan around it.

Do I pay the connection fees to my electricity company?

No, the regulated connection fees are paid to the distribution company (distribuidora), not chosen by your supplier. Your supplier (comercializadora) may pass them through on your bill. Access is charged per kW contracted, while enganche and verificación are small fixed amounts.

Who do I ask about a new water connection?

You ask your local water operator or town hall, because requirements and costs differ by area. Expect a connection fee, a meter charge and in some places a deposit (fianza). The fee depends on pipe diameter and the work needed.