Gas is scarce and increasingly expensive, so it’s important to know how we can avoid paying more on our bills. That’s why we offer you the opportunity to interpret and better understand your gas bill. To do so, it’s particularly important to know whether we are in the regulated market or the free market:
- Regulated Market: This is a semi-regulated tariff, meaning it has a variable price. It is usually updated every three months based on wholesale gas market prices and the contracted access rate, which varies depending on annual consumption. It can be identified on the bill under the name ‘Last Resort Tariff’ or ‘TUR’.
- Free Market: It can offer any tariff at any price. In other words, the price fluctuates according to economic variations.
Mainly, on the gas bill, four concepts are charged: the fixed charge, the variable charge, the meter rental, and taxes.
1. Fixed charge: This is paid to have access to gas and varies depending on the tariff.
2. Variable charge: It is what we pay for the energy consumed (kWh) during the billing period. The price varies depending on the tariff.
3. Meter rental: The meter is usually owned by the distribution company and is paid on each bill as a rental fee.
4. Taxes: The gas bill includes two taxes, the hydrocarbon tax (0.00234€/kWh), which is calculated on the variable charge, and the VAT (21%), applied to the total bill.
5. Other charges: In some cases, you may also find other charges on the bill, such as adjustments for retroactive regulatory updates. In bills from the free market, it is also common to offer additional services unrelated to gas supply, such as boiler maintenance.
In the regulated market, there are three supply contract options:
- TUR 1: Consumption below 5,000 kWh annually.
- TUR 2: Consumption between 5,000 kWh and 15,000 kWh annually.
- TUR 3: Consumption between 15,000 kWh and 50,000 kWh annually.
Furthermore, the gas bill provides information about the supply. We highlight the following:
0. Logo and information of the supplier with whom we have a contract (CIF, corporate name, and registered address).
1. Invoice details (invoice number, billing period, etc.).
2. Billing summary (includes the total amount to be paid on the invoice broken down by items).
3. Gas consumption information: Energy consumption over the entire period expressed in kWh. You can also find the reading (measured in m³) and the conversion factor to kWh, which is the unit used for billing.
4. Contract details: In this section, you will find all the necessary information about the supply point and contractual data, which are essential for managing our current or future supplier, such as the account holder’s name, address, or the CUPS (Universal Point of Supply Code).
Reducing Expenses in 4 Steps
In this capsule, you will discover, in just four steps, how you can switch to the regulated market and thus reduce your home’s gas expenses:
1. Determine the type of contract you have (whether it’s in the free market or the regulated market).
2. Find your CUPS (Universal Supply Point Code).
3. If necessary, call your company and request the switch to the regulated market.
4. Verify that there are no automatic contract renewals or binding periods.
It’s important to note that not all companies offer the regulated market, so it may be necessary to switch to a different company.
In addition, the Barcelona City Council has Energy Advising Points (PAE), a service that provides the information, assistance, and intervention necessary for people to exercise their energy rights and prevent companies from denying them access to basic supplies.
To receive assistance, you can contact the PAE via telephone, email, or in person at various offices located throughout the city. For more information on the contact methods and the service, you can refer to this link.