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Electricity & gas · Spain
Checked 2026-09-30

🩺 I depend on medical equipment or I am vulnerable: is there extra protection in Spain?

The short answer

People who rely on electrically powered medical equipment, older people and people on a low income often get extra protection. You usually have to register or tell your supplier and grid operator.

📜 The rules in Spain

Vulnerable and medical customers

If a doctor documents that electricity is essential for medical equipment keeping someone alive at home, including electrodependent people, the supply can be declared essential and can never be cut. Give the medical documentation to your distributor, which records it in the SIPS.

  • Bono social households with a child under 16, a member with recognised dependency (grade II or III) or a disability of 33% or more are also protected, with a certificate from public social services (Art. 53 RD 88/2026). (boe.es)
  • Severely vulnerable consumers at risk of social exclusion who are being helped by social services are protected in the same way in their main home, with a document from those services. (boe.es)
Official source: miteco.gob.es · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

  1. Check who counts as vulnerableSee below who is protected in Spain and what the protection covers.
  2. Register or inform your supplierAsk your supplier and grid operator how to register. A doctor's certificate may be needed.
  3. Plan for a power cutProtection against cut-offs for debt does not stop faults. Keep a backup plan for your equipment.
  4. Keep your details up to dateTell your supplier when your situation changes, and renew any certificate in time.

📇 Who to contact

Bono social eléctrico y bono social térmicoDiscount or support scheme for energy costsIf you have a low income or receive benefits🔗 www.bonosocial.gob.es
Juntas Arbitrales de Consumo / entidades de resolución alternativa acreditadasSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint🔗 justoparaeso.consumo.gob.es
CNMC - Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la CompetenciaSupervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.cnmc.es

❓ Questions

Can I be cut off for debt if I am registered?

Many countries forbid or limit cut-offs for protected customers. The rules for Spain are on this page.

Will I be warned before planned works?

Registered customers are often told about planned interruptions in advance. Ask your grid operator.

Is there help with the costs?

Many countries have a social tariff or support scheme. Ask your supplier and your municipality.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-30

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

💸Can’t pay the bill→🤝Help with energy costs→🔌Power cut→🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→

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