GUIDES

Fixed, indexed and regulated electricity prices in Spain

Separate two questions: which market are you in, and how is your electricity price calculated?

Last checked: September 2026

Start with the two questions

The regulated and free markets are one layer. The way a price is calculated is another. Keeping those layers separate makes bill and offer language easier to understand.

Regulated market: PVPC

PVPC is the regulated electricity price for eligible supply points, supplied by a Comercializadora de Referencia. Eligibility includes natural persons or qualifying microenterprises, low voltage (up to 1 kV), and contracted power of no more than 10 kW in each applicable period.

PVPC remains dynamic. Its energy-cost methodology now combines short-term market references with forward-market references; it is not exclusively a spot-price formula.

Free-market contracts

A free-market supplier can offer a fixed energy-price structure, different prices by time period, an indexed or dynamic formula, or another permitted structure. Check the exact formula and every non-energy charge rather than relying on the label alone.

With a fixed-price contract, the agreed energy-price structure is intended to be predictable subject to the contract and applicable regulated changes. With an indexed or dynamic price, the price follows a formula linked to market references and can move.

What dynamic-price rules add

The 2026 electricity-supply regulation requires suppliers to explain the opportunities, costs and risks of dynamic-price electricity contracts, provide a monthly-bill estimate before contracting, and obtain the consumer’s consent.

The same regulation says clauses for revising contract conditions do not apply to fixed-price contracts. Read the contract summary and price-revision wording before agreeing.

Which is better?

There is no one answer. Consider your consumption pattern, how comfortable you are with changing prices, whether you can shift some use, any additional services, and the total expected cost.

OTRIA is being built to make these comparisons easier. It does not currently provide a live comparison or recommendation.