Before switching: what you should check on your bill

The first step to changing your electricity or gas tariff is not looking for offers, but understanding your current situation and making sense of your bill. You must identify whether you are in the free market or the regulated market. In the regulated market, the price (PVPC) changes every hour according to supply and demand, whereas in the free market, the price is what is stipulated in the contract you have signed. To find this out, check the name of the supplier at the top of your bill. For example, if it says 'Endesa Energía S.A. Unipersonal', you belong to the free market; if it says 'Energía XXI', you are in the regulated market with the group's reference supplier.

Two key concepts

1. Contracted power capacity (kW): This is the fixed part you always pay, whether you consume energy or not. If your electricity trips frequently, you might need more; if this never happens even with everything switched on, you might have excess capacity for which you are overpaying. 

2. Price per kWh (consumption): This represents the cost of the energy you actually use. This is where the greatest opportunity for savings lies when looking for a tariff that offers a more competitive price during the hours you consume the most.

Step-by-step: how to change your electricity tariff

Switching electricity companies is much easier than you might think. In fact, your new supplier will handle almost all the administrative paperwork for you.

How long does it take?

'How long does it take to change my electricity tariff?' is one of the most common questions. The process is not instantaneous, as it depends on your current distribution company's billing cycle. Usually, the switch takes effect within 15 to 20 working days, although this timeframe can vary depending on the case.

Choose the type of tariff

Basically, you have to choose between two options: a flat-rate tariff where you pay the same for electricity at any time of day, or one with cheaper and more expensive hours. If you follow a similar routine every day and do not want to keep checking the clock to put the washing machine on, the first option is best; but if you can leave your appliances for the evening or the weekend, the second one is more worthwhile.

Request the switch

Once you are clear about which tariff suits you best, all you have to do is contact the new supplier. The best part is that they will handle cancelling your previous contract, so you do not have to do any extra paperwork.

Verify the conditions

Before signing, make sure that the price of the standing charge and the consumption charge are as agreed. Check whether the tariff includes optional maintenance services that could increase the final cost.

Confirmation and effective date

Once the request is completed, you will receive a confirmation email to let you know everything is underway. Normally, this message includes a link or access to your private area, where you can track the progress of the switch until it becomes effective.

Check your first bill after the switch

It is essential to check the first bill you receive with your new tariff. Check that the applied prices match your contract and that no unrequested services have been included.

Step-by-step: how to change your gas tariff

The process for changing your gas tariff follows a similar logic to electricity, but with specific details for gas supply.

Changing your gas tariff

Just as with electricity, you are free to change your tariff or supplier whenever you wish. The process is free and requires no modifications to your home's installation.

Check your network access charge (RL.1/RL.2) and estimated annual consumption

The network access charge (RL) is assigned by the distribution company based on your annual consumption. RL.1 is common in households with a gas cooker or water heater (low consumption), while RL.2 applies to homes with natural gas heating (medium-high consumption). Knowing your estimated annual consumption will help you choose the most cost-effective tariff for your usage volume.

Choose a tariff (free market vs. TUR, if applicable)

For gas, there is also the Tariff of Last Resort (TUR), which is the regulated option. In the free market, you can find options like the Endesa Gas Tariff, which offers competitive prices and stability.

Request the switch

You can handle the process 100% online or over the phone. You will only need to provide your personal details and the SPUC code for your gas supply, which you can find on any past bill.

Confirmation and effective date

The supplier will send you confirmation of the new contract. The effective date will depend on the meter reading carried out by the distribution company to close the previous period.

Check the reading (actual/estimated) and adjustments

To avoid errors during the transition, it is highly recommended to take an actual gas meter reading on the day the switch takes place. This will ensure that the previous company charges you exactly for what you consumed up to that point, and the new one starts from the correct point.

How long does it take and how much does it cost to change tariffs?

Many people put off saving due to the fear of hidden costs or administrative hurdles, but regulations protect consumers in this regard.

Is there a cost to change tariffs?

As a general rule, changing your electricity or gas tariff is a completely free process for the customer. There are no administrative fees for processing the contract change itself.

Situations where fees apply:

• Changing your power capacity: If you decide to lower your power capacity when changing your tariff, the distribution company will charge around €11 on your first bill. If you decide to increase it, the cost is higher (around €45 for each extra kW).

• Early exit fees for changing tariffs: Although many modern tariffs do not have a tie-in period, some free-market contracts (especially those linked to maintenance services or large discounts) may include a penalty fee for changing tariffs before the end of the first year. It is vital to check this detail in your current contract.

How to choose the best tariff according to your consumption profile

There is no single 'best tariff', but rather one that best adapts to how you live.

Which tariff suits me best?

• If you consume more at night or concentrate your usage at the weekend: A time-of-use tariff will suit you best. The Conecta 3 Periodos Tariff is ideal for families who can shift their appliance use to the cheapest hours.

• If you work from home or are in the house a lot during the day: The best option is a stable price that gives you peace of mind without having to watch the clock. The Fija 24H Online Tariff offers the same price per kWh all day long.

• If you have an electric car: You need a tariff designed for intense overnight charging. The Luz 3 Periodos Tariff (or specific tariffs for electric vehicles) offers highly reduced prices during the early hours of the morning (super off-peak period).

• For a second home: Consumption is low in these properties, but the fixed standing charge is paid all year round. You should prioritise a tariff with a low standing charge.

• If you have gas heating: It is essential to review your seasonal consumption. The Endesa Gas Tariff offers stability so you can turn on the heating with no surprises in the price per kWh.

Common mistakes when changing tariffs (and how to avoid them)

Not checking for tie-in periods or extra services

Make sure your current contract does not have any tie-in commitments that could lead to a penalty. Also, check whether the new tariff requires you to sign up for additional services you do not need.

Switching without checking your power capacity (electricity) or RL (gas)

Requesting a tariff change without adjusting your power capacity could mean you continue overpaying on the fixed part of your bill.

Not comparing with your actual usage pattern (times) 

Signing up for a time-of-use tariff and continuing to put the washing machine on during peak hours (from 10:00 to 14:00 or from 18:00 to 22:00) can end up being more expensive.

Confusing the 'price per kWh' with the 'total cost' (standing charge/power capacity) 

A very low energy price might be offset by a very high standing charge. You must look for a balance between both parts.

Not checking the first bill (adjustments) 

Many users fail to detect billing errors or incorrect estimated readings because they do not spend five minutes checking their first bill after the switch.

If you are an Endesa customer: how to change your tariff

If you are already with the company, the process of changing your electricity or gas tariff is even more straightforward and fully digital.

Via the Customer Area / App

The fastest way is to access your Private Area on the Endesa website or via the mobile app. Under the 'My Contracts' section, you can view your current tariff and browse the catalogue of new offers available to you. The system allows you to make the change in just a couple of clicks, with no phone calls required.

Necessary details (SPUC, ID)

If you are switching within the same company, your details are already on the system. However, keep your ID handy, and if you have several contracts, identify the SPUC number of the property where you want to apply the new tariff. If you are switching your electricity supplier to Endesa, you will also need a bank account number to set up a direct debit.

Where to see confirmation and track progress

Once you have requested the switch, you will receive a confirmation email. You can track the status of your new contract in real time via the Customer Area, where you will be notified when the new tariff is fully operational and when your next billing date will be under the new conditions.