The key to finding that electricity tariff you'd recommend to your friends isn't about looking for the lowest price on a comparison site, but rather reviewing a set of habits you can identify in your consumption history.

What it means to choose the right electricity tariff

Choosing the perfect electricity tariff doesn't have to be complicated, but it is worth dedicating a little time to. Rather than getting carried away by a flashy offer, the important thing is to find the option that best fits your lifestyle and consumption habits.

It is important to remember that the same tariff won't be right for everyone. For example, someone who works from home and spends many hours in the house will have very different needs to someone who doesn't get home until the evening. That is why the best tariff will always be the one tailored to your day-to-day life.

Nowadays you can choose from many options: tariffs with prices that change every hour, others with a stable price, or plans designed to offer you greater security. The key is finding an electricity tariff that gives you peace of mind, avoids surprises on your bill, and allows you to better organise your budget without having to keep an eye on the clock or change your routines.

The golden rule: don't just look at the kWh price

So, what should we look out for before signing up for an electricity tariff? Sometimes, we can make the mistake of focusing solely on the kWh price. However, the bill is divided into two main parts:

• Power: What you pay to be able to connect several appliances at the same time.
• Energy: What you actually consume.

If you only focus on finding a very low price per kWh, you could be accepting an excessively expensive power charge that wipes out your savings, especially in homes with minimal consumption, such as second homes.

A genuinely cheap electricity tariff is one that optimises both elements. Furthermore, it is vital to check whether the price is stable or subject to market variations, as stability tends to be the most highly valued feature for users seeking peace of mind.

Stable price 24 hours a day: for those who want peace of mind

If you are someone who doesn't want to constantly watch the clock to put the washing machine or dishwasher on, a stable-price electricity tariff is your best option. Under this model, the cost of energy is the same 24 hours a day.

Within this category, at Endesa we offer solutions like the Conecta Luz Tariff, which stands out as an online tariff with a highly competitive price (€0.109/kWh) for new customers. This option is ideal for those looking for 'Endesa's best price' without scheduling complications.

Another solid alternative is the Luz 24h Online Tariff, a stable electricity tariff that guarantees the same price all day and offers a 20% discount during the first year for new contracts.

Both are electricity tariffs designed for households with constant consumption throughout the day that value predictability above all else.

Time-of-use tariffs: for those who can adapt their consumption

A time-of-use tariff is the alternative for people who are dable to plan their electricity use. This is where the question arises of whether a stable or an hourly tariff is better. The answer depends on whether you can concentrate at least 35-40% of your usage during the cheapest hours.

The Conecta 3 Periodos Tariff divides the day into three time bands: peak, shoulder, and off-peak. The real savings come when you take advantage of the off-peak hours (from midnight to 8 a.m., Monday to Friday, and 24 hours a day on weekends and bank holidays), where the price per kWh can be up to 50% cheaper than during peak hours. It is the recommended option for those with programmable appliances or mostly night-time routines.

Tariffs for electric cars, solar panels, or second homes: when your situation isn't standard

There are situations where a conventional tariff isn't enough to maximise savings.

If you have an electric car

In this case, Endesa's Recarga en Casa Tariff is an interesting option for you. It offers a stable monthly fee (under €25/month if you install your EV charger with us) regardless of what time you plug the car in. This eliminates the need to only charge in the early hours of the morning to save money. The fee covers a charging volume sufficient to drive around 15,000 km a year.

If you have solar panels

For self-consumption, the Endesa Solar Tariff adapts to whether you feed surplus energy back into the grid or not. It even allows the use of a virtual battery to accumulate the value of your surplus energy and achieve €0 bills.

If you have a second home

For holiday homes, the biggest problem is the fixed cost when you aren't there. To offset this, the Tu Otra Casa 50 Luz Tariff offers a 50% discount on the 50 hours of highest consumption each month; so you can visit whenever you like without worrying about whether it is a bank holiday or a weekend.

Contracted power: the cost you pay even if you consume very little

Contracted power is often the most significant 'silent cost' on your bill. It represents the maximum power capacity you can demand at any one time. If your power has ever tripped, it could be because your contracted power is insufficient.

Even so, in many households, the contracted power exceeds their actual consumption needs, meaning they pay more than they need to. It is estimated that reducing your contracted power by 1 kW can represent savings of approximately €50 a year.

With Endesa, you can contract two different power levels: a lower one for peak hours and a higher one for off-peak hours, which is highly useful if you charge an electric car or use storage heaters while you sleep.

Minimum commitmet periods, discounts, and added services: the small print that does matter

Nowadays, we highly value flexibility. Opting for an electricity tariff with no minimum commitment period allows you to change if your needs change or if a better offer comes along.

Furthermore, it is essential to understand the discounts. Many tariffs offer attractive prices for the first year, but it is important to know what will happen afterwards.

It is also worth evaluating additional services (such as electrical installation maintenance) which, although optional, can be contracted on a modular basis according to each household's needs.

How to compare tariffs without getting overwhelmed

Here are some tips to avoid getting lost among so many options:

• QR code: All current bills include a QR code that directs you straight to the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) electricity tariff comparison tool.
• CNMC comparison tool: This official tool allows you to enter your real consumption and power data to see which offers on the market would save you money.
• Endesa comparison tool: Through our website, you can compare the different tariffs to assess which one best suits you.

Which tariff to recommend based on household type

When it comes to recommending an electricity tariff to a friend, it is important to take their situation into account:

• If they work from home: The best option is a stable tariff like the Conecta Tariff. Spending many hours at home with the computer and air conditioning turned on means the time bands of regulated tariffs can be punishing. A stable 24-hour price avoids surprises.
• For large families: We recommend the Luz 24h Online Tariff because it allows you to contract up to 15 kW of power, which is necessary for households with many appliances and high, constant consumption.
• For people who spend the day out: The Conecta 3 Periodos Tariff is very attractive, as it is easy to shift most of your consumption (washing machine, dishwasher) to the night-time or the weekend.
• For second homes: The Tu Otra Casa 50 Luz Tariff is a great option for saving money when staying there.

FAQs about how to choose an electricity tariff

What is the difference between a stable price and time-of-use pricing?

With a stable price, you always pay the same for each kWh, regardless of the time. With time-of-use pricing, the price changes according to three time bands (peak, shoulder, and off-peak), being much cheaper at night and on weekends.

What is a 24-hour electricity tariff?

It is a tariff with a stable energy price all day long, no matter what time you consume electricity.

How do I know if an electricity tariff is good?

It is good if it offers a competitive price, has no minimum commitment period, and adapts to your consumption peaks without forcing you to change your lifestyle.

What mistakes should I avoid when signing up for electricity?

Avoid contracting more power than necessary, ignoring the existence of commitment periods, and failing to compare your real consumption using the CNMC comparison tool.

Is it important for a tariff to have no commitment period?

Yes, it is vital to maintain your freedom as a consumer and be able to take advantage of better offers in the future without paying exit fees.