Electricity Security Deposits in Spain: Could You Be Owed Money?

Ana Saez Garcia

Jul 31

3 min read

If you’ve seen recent news about electricity companies returning deposits to customers, you may be wondering if you’re entitled to a refund.

The good news is that many electricity customers in Spain could receive money back without having to do anything.

At Compare The Mercado, we’re committed to helping expats understand the Spanish electricity system and making sure you’re not paying more than you need to. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is an electricity security deposit?

When many electricity supplies were first connected, or when the contracted power (potencia) was increased, customers were required to pay a security deposit (known in Spanish as a depósito de garantía).

This deposit was held by the electricity distribution company as a guarantee against unpaid bills.

Over the years, many customers forgot they had even paid it.

Why are deposits being returned?

Following recent regulatory changes, electricity distribution companies are now required to return eligible security deposits to the customers who originally paid them.

This means thousands of homeowners across Spain could receive a refund.

Do I need to apply?

In almost all most cases, no.

If your electricity supply is still active, the refund should normally be processed automatically.

Depending on your electricity distributor, you may receive the money:

As a credit on your electricity bill.
Directly into your bank account.
Through your current electricity supplier.

If your supply has been disconnected or you’ve moved house, you may need to contact the distribution company to claim any refund you’re entitled to.

How much will I receive?

There isn’t a fixed amount.

The refund depends on several factors, including:

When your electricity supply was connected.
The contracted power (potencia).
The amount of the original deposit.

Some customers may receive only a few euros, while others could receive significantly more.

Is this the same as changing supplier?

No.

The refund is linked to your electricity distributor, not your supplier.

Many people confuse the two.

Your supplier is the company you pay each month (such as Iberdrola, Gana Energía, Endesa, Octopus Energy or Repsol).

Your distributor owns and maintains the local electricity network and is responsible for matters such as meters, outages and these historic deposits.

Changing supplier does not affect your entitlement to any refund.

How can I check if I’m eligible?

If your supply is active, it’s worth keeping an eye on your upcoming electricity bills for any credit relating to a security deposit.

If you’ve had the same property for many years or recently heard about these refunds, you may also wish to contact your electricity distributor for more information.

While you’re checking your electricity bill…

Many people focus on a one-off refund but continue paying hundreds of euros more each year because they’re on the wrong tariff.

At Compare The Mercado, we compare your electricity tariff completely free of charge.

If we can save you money, we’ll handle the entire switching process for you.

If we can’t improve your current tariff, we’ll tell you honestly.

There are no hidden fees, no obligation, and no interruption to your electricity supply.

Send Ana your bill today

Simply send us a PDF (or even a photo) of your latest electricity bill and we’ll check whether you’re on the best tariff for your usage.

Compare The Mercado

You could be due a refund from a historic electricity deposit—and you could also be saving money every single month by switching to a better tariff.