Gecko Towers
Today we have the next in a series of articles from a guest contributor, John Pearce, an advisor on energy management.
Where your Spanish property is your Main Home
With a year-round occupancy, controlling the peak demand is still relevant but it becomes important to consider other factors. Whilst the cost of the available capacity stays constant each month, the cost for the energy used is influenced not only by the quantity (kWh) but also by the tariff used in your contract with the supplier.
There are a bewildering number of alternative tariffs, but in general they break into two types:
1. Same charge per kwhr used regardless of the time of day and night.
2. Variable charges for 2 or 3 time periods each day.
Remember that the electricity suppliers hold all the user information and that they need to make a profit. Because of this there is not a “magic” tariff that gives flexibility and low kWh charges.
As a result of government action in June 2021, the majority of tariffs have at least 2 time periods and the low cost generally covers the period of midnight to 8.00 am. Clearly to benefit from this, there has to be some adjustment to normal uncontrolled use.
Hot water can be heated overnight and with a well-insulated tank the water will remain hot all day. Other appliances that can be used overnight include dishwasher, washing machine and or tumble dryer. Some tariffs include weekends on low-cost tariff for 48 hours, which could make Saturday and Sunday the wash days of the week!
Tariffs with a fixed charge throughout the day give total flexibility and there is no need to manage the use of appliances. The kWh rate is far higher than the night and weekend rates but is lower than the peak time rate of the variable tariffs.
Should you be interested in discussing the legal process involved in buying a property in the Marbella region, we would be delighted to assist you. Our team of bi-lingual, highly experienced and wholly independent Abogados are ready to help you.
Please call me, Mark FR Wilkins, during usual business hours on +34 600 343 917 or, if you prefer, or e-mail me at mark@roslegal.es
Please note that our posts are for general interest. There is no substitute for proper legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances as provided by a qualified Abogado who is experienced in the application of the Spanish Law.
Nothing contained in this article should be seen or taken as the writer or the publisher providing legal or financial advice.
© Mark FR Wilkins 2022. All rights reserved.