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Electricity & gas · Spain
Checked 2026-09-27

💸 I can’t pay my energy bill in Spain. Can they cut me off?

The short answer

A cut-off is the last step, not the first. There are rules on notice and protection, and help if your income is low.

📜 The rules in Spain

Protection against cut-off

For PVPC customers and individuals up to 10 kW in their main home, the supplier must send a formal payment demand; supply can be cut only two months later. Bono social users get a 3.5 kW minimum supply for six months first. Life-support and some vulnerable homes can never be cut. No cuts on holidays.

Official source: miteco.gob.es · Checked 2026-09-27

Help if money is tight

Electricity bill discount for vulnerable consumers: 42.5% (57.5% for severely vulnerable) until 31 December 2026, then 35% and 50%. Apply through a reference supplier (comercializadora de referencia). Beneficiaries also receive the bono social térmico heating aid automatically.

Bono social eléctrico y bono social térmico 🔗 bonosocial.gob.es
Official source: miteco.gob.es · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

  1. Act before the deadlineContact the supplier as soon as you know you cannot pay and ask for a payment plan. Put it in writing.
  2. Check the protection rulesSee below what notice the supplier must give and when a cut-off is not allowed in Spain.
  3. Ask for supportCheck the support scheme below and contact free debt or energy advice.
  4. Answer every letterKeep copies. If a cut-off is announced wrongly, complain straight away to the supplier and the dispute body.

📇 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 they cut me off without warning?

No, written notice is required. The exact period for Spain is on this page.

Is there winter protection?

Some countries have it. The rules for Spain are shown on this page.

Does a payment plan stop a cut-off?

A payment plan you keep to generally prevents a cut-off. Get it confirmed in writing.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 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

🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→🧾Wrong or high bill→🏚️Supplier went bust→📣Complaint about a supplier→

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