Volker Horch: If the property already has an electricity connection, transferring the electricity contract to the new owner is relatively straightforward. By presenting the deed of sale and signing the relevant registration form, the electricity supply can be transferred to the new owner. The electricity bill can be paid by direct debit from any bank account, whether Spanish or international.
Volker Horch: If the property does not have electricity—either because the supply has been disconnected or because it has never had a connection—it is essential to determine the installation costs before purchasing. In most cases, this requires an inspection of the entire electrical installation in the property in order to issue the corresponding Electrical Installation Certificate (CIE), also known as the "boletín eléctrico".
Volker Horch: Yes, it can be relatively expensive, particularly if the existing electrical installation does not comply with current regulations and needs to be upgraded. In addition, a certificate of habitability from the municipality is required. This also applies to apartments. Nowadays, the cost of photovoltaic systems has dropped significantly, so it is always advisable to compare the costs of connecting to the public grid with those of installing a self-sufficient electrical system.