Moving into a new place is an exciting step. Let's learn the everyday vocabulary for setting up your utilities and navigating your home's logistics in Spain.
Meters and Consumption
When you move in, one of the first things you will need to locate is el contador (the meter). It is a good idea to note down (anotar) the starting number so you can track your energy or water consumption (el consumo).
For your electricity, you also need to be aware of la potencia (the electrical power). This refers to the contracted capacity of your home. If you turn on too many appliances at once and the power cuts out, you might need to ask for a higher potencia.
Managing Your Services
To get your utilities running, you will need to contact a provider, known simply as la compañía (the company).
The essential verbs for managing utility contracts in Spain are dar de alta (to set up or activate a service) and dar de baja (to cancel or deactivate a service).
When paying your monthly bills, most companies require or prefer that you set up a direct debit from your bank account. In Spanish, this action has its own specific verb: domiciliar.
Getting Online
Finally, no home is complete without internet access. Just like in English, you will need a router (el router) to connect your devices. For the fastest internet speeds, you will want to make sure your company offers a fiber optic connection, commonly referred to as la fibra.
