Contracted power: what you pay for each kW
Power is paid every day, whether you use electricity or not. Work out what yours costs and what a lower setting would save.
In 2026, each kW contracted for the peak-standard period costs €39.20 a year on the PVPC including taxes, and the off-peak kW only a few cents. With 4.6 kW in both periods, the power term comes to €184.54 a year; with 3.45 kW it would be €138.41, €46.14 less, and with 5.75 kW €230.68. The price per kW has three parts, all in the BOE: the CNMC network toll, the government system charge and the PVPC retail margin, plus electricity tax and VAT. The calculator compares your current power with the one you are considering, using the steps that match 10 to 50 amp switches. The real decision is about use rather than price: with too little power the switch trips when the oven, hob and washing machine coincide.
Yearly saving from lowering power
€46.14
| With 4.60 kW per year | €185 |
| With 3.45 kW per year | €138 |
| Difference per month | €3.84 |
| Each peak-standard kW costs per year | €39.20 |
| Each off-peak kW costs per year | €0.92 |
Assumptions
PVPC power term 2026: CNMC tolls, Order TED/1524/2025 charges and Order ETU/1948/2016 retail margin, plus today’s electricity tax and VAT. Changing power may carry a distributor fee (connection rights). Method and sources
Checked by Radif Partners · Editorial policy · Method and sources
The price of one kW in 2026
| Component | Peak-standard (P1) | Off-peak (P2) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and distribution toll | 23.324952 | 0.443770 | CNMC Resolution 18/12/2025 |
| System charge | 4.379461 | 0.281653 | Order TED/1524/2025 |
| Retail margin | 3.113 | 0 | Order ETU/1948/2016 |
| Total before tax | 30.817413 | 0.725423 |
The steps in the list are not arbitrary: they are the rating of the power control switch multiplied by 230 volts, although with a smart meter any multiple of 0.1 kW up to 15 kW can also be contracted (Royal Decree 1164/2001, article 9.4). 15 amps gives 3.45 kW, 20 amps gives 4.60 kW, 25 amps gives 5.75 kW, 30 amps gives 6.90 kW. With a smart meter the distributor can change your power remotely, without a visit.
Power is the part of the bill that does not depend on the hour, and the full bill calculator shows it next to energy. If you charge a car at home, the electric car charging page explains why raising only the off-peak power is often enough.