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Electricity & gas · Spain
Checked 2026-09-30

🔗 New or bigger grid connection in Spain: how long may it take and who do I complain to?

The short answer

A new home, a heat pump, a charging point or solar panels can need a new or bigger connection. The grid operator does this work, and many countries set deadlines and rules on costs.

📜 The rules in Spain

Grid connection

For a new low-voltage supply up to 15 kW with no network extension, the distributor must give you the technical and economic conditions in writing within 5 working days, and connect and install the meter within 5 working days after you sign the supply contract (Art. 103 RD 1955/2000).

  • If the network must be built out after you pay the connection charges (derechos de acometida): 5 working days with no extension, 30 if only the low-voltage network is extended, 60 if a transformer station is needed. Time for permits does not count. (boe.es)
  • The distributor must justify in writing the connection charges it asks for; the quote stays valid for at least three months. If you cannot agree on the deadline, the competent regional authority sets it. (boe.es)
  • Disputes about access to the transmission and distribution networks can be brought to the CNMC (Art. 12 Ley 3/2013). (boe.es)
Official source: boe.es · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

  1. Apply to the grid operatorApply to the grid operator for your address, not your supplier. Say what you want to connect and the capacity you need.
  2. Ask for a quote and a dateThe grid operator should tell you the cost and when the work will be done. See the rules for Spain below.
  3. Keep track of deadlinesWrite down the dates. If a deadline is missed, ask why in writing.
  4. Complain if it goes wrongComplain to the grid operator first, then to the body named below.

📇 Who to contact

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
Juntas Arbitrales de Consumo / entidades de resolución alternativa acreditadasSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint🔗 justoparaeso.consumo.gob.es

❓ Questions

Who pays for the connection?

Usually the customer pays a connection charge set by the grid operator or the regulator.

Why does my grid operator refuse or delay?

Sometimes the local grid is full. Ask for the reason and the expected date in writing.

Do I need a new connection for solar panels?

Often not for small systems, but you usually have to register them with the grid operator.

📎 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

☀️Solar panels→📣Complaint about a supplier→🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→🧾Wrong or high bill→

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