Utilities and bills
What to do if utilities are disconnected
Your rights around utility disconnection for non-payment, and what to do if your supply is cut off.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15By regulation, providers must generally allow 45-60 days between the first unpaid bill and an actual disconnection, including a formal written warning.
This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.
Overview
Utility providers in Spain can't disconnect your electricity, water or gas without following a specific notice process first. Knowing your rights — and the protections available if you're in a vulnerable situation — can help you act quickly if you're at risk of disconnection.
Requirements
- This applies to any household facing disconnection for unpaid bills
- Extra protections apply if you qualify as a vulnerable consumer (bono social) — providers cannot disconnect your electricity supply in that case
Step-by-step process
- If you receive a payment notice, don't ignore it — providers must give written notice of the unpaid amount and the disconnection date before cutting supply
- If you can't pay in full, contact your provider directly to discuss a payment plan before the deadline
- Check whether you may qualify as a vulnerable consumer (bono social), which offers protection against electricity disconnection
- If you're disconnected without proper notice, this can be challenged — contact your provider immediately and, if unresolved, your regional consumer office
Required documents
- Your utility bill and any disconnection notice received
- Proof of income, if applying for vulnerable-consumer status
Common mistakes
- Ignoring a payment notice, assuming disconnection won't actually happen
- Not checking eligibility for the bono social or vulnerable-consumer protections before it's needed
- Paying to a different account than the one on the formal notice, causing the payment not to register against your case
Practical tips
- Households with a bono social electricity discount that reach four months of unpaid notice are entitled to a guaranteed minimum electricity supply rather than a full cut-off, while the situation is resolved
- Acting as soon as you receive the first notice — rather than waiting — gives you far more options, including payment plans
How Tuchati can help
If you're at risk of disconnection or think you may qualify for vulnerable-consumer protections, Tuchati can help you understand your options quickly.