21 Oct 2010 11:08 AM:

Hi,

I am writing on behalf of a property management company, Homecareontheweb, based on the Costa del Sol and the Costa Brava.

We have considerable experience of dealing with the various utility companies for our clients and yes, they can be a nightmare!

Firstly, the problem with the bank not paying is an infuriatingly common one and frequently a fruitless task to try get to the bottom of. We suggest that our clients redirect the bills to our offices, that way we are instantly aware if any payments are missed and we can act accordingly.

You can definitely get your bills sent to the UK, but bear in mind that you may receive the bills or warning letters long after their expiry dates. Clearly, you have internet access, you may want to consider using the "e-factura" online billing services that most companies offer, likewise by using internet banking you can check to see what is coming out of your account.

It is worth noting that Endesa will accept credit card payments over the phone, but be prepared to stay on hold for a good while, make sure you have your contract details or a copy of an old bill. Endesa have some English speaking staff - I even spoke to one once! - but again, you may have to hold for a good while to speak to them.

When bills go unpaid for a few months the electricity companies can remove the meter and cancel the contract. In many cases the contract can be revived once the debt is cleared, but sometimes you will be required to provide a new "boletín" or installation certificate, to get one of these your property will have to meet the requirements in force on that day. This can prove very expensive on older properties as it may mean starting the whole installation again from scratch, right up to the electricity meter. The certificate itself can cost hundreds of Euros and has to be issued by a Spanish registered electrician. Best not to let things reach that stage if at all possible.

Another issue is that many people don’t even realise that there is a problem until they arrive to find the electricity cut off. Murphy’s law states that this will be the night before a bank holiday weekend. That is where having a good management company is essential. One of the many services we offer our clients is that of inspections. Our inspectors visit the property once or twice a month (depending on the contract) and report their findings via the internet. This way they pick up quickly if the electricity has been cut off and we can act quickly to get it reinstated.

If it is any consolation, the electricity suppliers are large national companies with procedures in place to deal with these matters. The water companies however,  tend to be small local firms and frequently the only way that you can pay them if a bank payment has been missed, is to go to their offices bearing cash. Not easy from the UK, but all in a day’s work for us!

Thread: Electricity problems

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