Lowering your contracted power (potencia) in Spain

As of 11/2026 · Solemo

Many households pay for more power than they ever use at the same time. Contracted power (potencia contratada) is a fixed cost that is charged every day – even in a holiday home that stands empty for months.

How the power charge is calculated

Término de potencia = kW × days × price, separately for two periods: P1 (Mon–Fri 8–24 h) and P2 (nights, weekends, national holidays). P1 and P2 can be contracted at different levels.

What one kW costs

The state-regulated parts alone amount to, per kW and year in 2026:

P1: toll EUR 23.324952 + charge EUR 4.379461
P2: toll EUR 0.443770 + charge EUR 0.281653

With PVPC a retail margin of EUR 3.113004/kW per year is added. On the free market the supplier sets its own price per kW and day – example Naturgy Tarifa Por Uso Luz: P1 EUR 0.123030/kW·day (excl. taxes, as of 31 Oct 2026). Electricity tax and 21 % VAT come on top.

Is my contracted power too high?

Look at your peaks: on Datadis, the distributors' platform, you register with your NIF/NIE and see hourly consumption and measured maximum demand (maxímetro).
Compare with the bill: if your peaks are well below the contracted power, you are paying for reserve you do not use.
Do not go too low: when several large appliances run at the same time (air conditioning, oven, water heater, EV), the power must be sufficient. Decide on actual measured peaks, not on gut feeling.

Our calculator flags it when your power looks high relative to consumption. Without peak data from Datadis this is not a firm statement.

How to lower it

You request the change from your supplier or the distribution network. Ask beforehand whether any costs or conditions apply – we have no verified figures on that. Note: PVPC is only possible up to 10 kW.

Tip for holiday homes: during long absences consumption almost disappears, but the power charge does not. Here the right contracted power has a particularly strong effect on annual cost.

This article summarises public sources (as of 11/2026). Rules and prices change – check the linked original sources before deciding.

Check your own bill

The calculator explains your bill line by line and works with your own figures.

Start calculator with your bill (accurate)Start calculator without a bill (estimate)