Key Takeaways
- Your CUPS is a permanent 20–22 character code starting with “ES” that uniquely identifies your electricity connection — it never changes even when you switch suppliers or the property is sold.
- You need your CUPS to switch providers, run comparisons, or resolve supply disputes — without it, most supplier signup processes stop immediately.
- Fastest place to find it: your electricity bill. Look under “Datos del suministro” or search the PDF for “CUPS” — it appears on every invoice. It’s also on a sticker on your meter, and your landlord or current provider can supply it.
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You want to switch electricity providers. You compare prices. You find a better deal. You start the signup process and then—
“Please enter your CUPS number.”
What the hell is a CUPS number?
What CUPS means
CUPS stands for Código Unificado de Punto de Suministro (Unified Supply Point Code). It’s your electricity supply point’s unique identifier—think of it like a serial number for your connection to the grid.
Every property in Spain with electricity has one. It never changes, even when you switch providers or when the property is sold.
Why it matters:
- It identifies your specific connection
- Switching providers requires it
- Administrative queries require it
- It’s tied to your contracted power (potencia contratada) and tariff
Format: 20-22 characters starting with “ES” (for España). Example: ES0021000012345678AB
5 ways to find your CUPS number
Method 1: Check your electricity bill (fastest)
Your CUPS appears on every electricity invoice. Look for:
- A section labeled “Datos del suministro” (supply data) or “Punto de suministro”
- A 20-22 character code starting with “ES”
- Usually near the top of the first page
Different providers put it in different places:
- Iberdrola: First page, top-right section
- Endesa: First page, under contract details
- Naturgy: First page, supply point section
- Holaluz: First page, clearly labeled “CUPS”
If your bill is digital, search the PDF for “CUPS” or “ES00”.
Method 2: Check your electricity meter
The CUPS is often printed on a sticker on your meter itself.
Where to find your meter:
- Apartments: Usually in a communal area (basement, utility closet on each floor, or exterior wall)
- Houses: Often in a meter box on the exterior wall near the property entrance
- Modern meters: The smart meter (contador inteligente) may display it on screen
Look for:
- A barcode sticker with the CUPS printed below
- A metal plate with engraved numbers
- The code starting with “ES”
Note: In older buildings, meters can be hard to find or access. Try other methods first.
Method 3: Ask your landlord or property manager
If you’re renting, your landlord should have the CUPS on file from:
- Previous utility bills
- The property deed or rental documents
- Their own records when setting up the original contract
A quick message: “Can you send me the CUPS number for the electricity?” usually gets results.
Method 4: Contact your current provider
Call or use the app/website of your current electricity company.
Iberdrola: Login to customer area → “Mis contratos” → Select your contract → CUPS appears in details
Endesa: Login → “Mi energía” → Contract details
Naturgy: Login → “Mis productos” → Click on your contract
Smaller providers: Most have customer portals with the same information, or call their customer service.
Phone: If you call, they’ll verify your identity (NIE, contract number, or address) and give you the CUPS.
Method 5: Request it from the distributor
This is your fallback if nothing else works.
The distributor (the company that owns the wires, different from your retailer) has your CUPS on file.
Main distributors by region:
- E-Distribución (Endesa): Most of Andalucía including Costa del Sol
- I-DE (Iberdrola): Parts of northern Spain
- UFD (Naturgy): Barcelona area, others
For Costa del Sol, you likely need E-Distribución:
- Website: edistribucion.com
- Phone: 900 850 840
- You’ll need your address and NIE/NIF
They can look up the CUPS for any supply point they manage.
When you can’t find a CUPS (new property)
If the property has never had electricity connected, there’s no CUPS yet.
This happens with:
- New construction
- Properties that were disconnected and demolished internally
- Conversions (commercial to residential)
In these cases, you need to request a new connection (alta nueva), which creates a CUPS. This involves:
- Electrical installation certificate (boletín eléctrico)
- Application to the distributor
- Installation of meter
- CUPS assignment
For existing buildings without active supply, see: Electricity in Spain: Complete Guide
CUPS vs. contract number vs. meter number
People confuse these. They’re different:
CUPS: Identifies the supply point (permanent, doesn’t change)
Contract number: Identifies your specific contract with your provider (changes if you switch companies)
Meter number: Identifies the physical meter device (changes if meter is replaced)
When switching providers, you need the CUPS, not the contract number.
Using your CUPS to switch providers
Once you have your CUPS, switching is straightforward:
- Compare prices – Sites like Selectra or Kelisto compare electricity tariffs
- Choose new provider – Sign up online or by phone
- Provide CUPS – They’ll verify it matches your address
- Automatic switch – Your new provider handles the transfer with your old provider
- Continuity – No interruption in service; the switch happens behind the scenes
The switch typically takes 15-20 days. Your new provider manages everything—you don’t need to contact your old provider.
More on switching: Save Money by Switching Electricity Providers in Spain
What your CUPS tells you
The CUPS number contains encoded information:
“
ES 00 21 000 001234567 8 AB
│ │ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │ └─ Check digits
│ │ │ │ │ └─── Control digit
│ │ │ │ └───────────── Supply point number
│ │ │ └───────────────── Zone
│ │ └──────────────────── Distributor code
│ └─────────────────────── Sector
└────────────────────────── Country (ES = Spain)
For most purposes, you don’t need to decode it—just copy the full string accurately.
Common problems and fixes
“My CUPS doesn’t match my address”
This usually means:
- You copied it wrong (check carefully, especially 0 vs O)
- Your landlord gave you the wrong property’s CUPS
- The provider’s database is out of date
Solution: Verify with the distributor using your address.
“I have two CUPS at my property”
Some properties have separate electricity supplies:
- Main house + detached garage
- Building with common areas + individual apartments
- Properties with separate meters for day/night (older system)
Each supply point has its own CUPS. Make sure you’re using the one for the space you want to manage.
“My CUPS is only 18 characters”
Older CUPS formats were shorter. Some systems auto-complete them. If a form rejects your CUPS, try:
- Adding “ES” at the beginning if missing
- Checking for trailing spaces
- Contacting the provider for the full format
Keep your CUPS documented
Once you find it, save it:
- In your phone notes
- In your important documents folder
- Screenshot of the bill section showing it
You’ll need it for:
- Switching providers
- Adjusting contracted power (potencia)
- Administrative disputes
- Future property transactions
For understanding your potencia contratada: Potencia Contratada: Getting It Right for Remote Work
Key takeaways
- CUPS is your supply point ID – Permanent, unique, needed for any electricity changes.
- Check your bill first – Fastest way to find it. Search for “CUPS” or “ES00”.
- Meter has it too – Look for a sticker with barcode and code starting “ES”.
- Distributor is the fallback – E-Distribución for Costa del Sol can look up any CUPS by address.
- Save it somewhere accessible – You’ll need it again.
Five minutes to find your CUPS. Hours saved when switching providers.
Get Costa del Sol intelligence that matters. Subscribe to Waypoint Sur → waypointsur.com/subscribe
Last reviewed: February 2026
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a gestor for this process?
For most administrative procedures in Spain, a gestor simplifies the process significantly. They handle paperwork, book appointments, and know the practical requirements that websites often do not mention. Fees typically range from EUR 50-150 per procedure.
What documents do I need?
At minimum, you will need your NIE (or passport for initial procedures), proof of address (padron certificate or utility bill), and documentation specific to the procedure. Always bring originals and copies of everything.
How long does this process take?
Processing times vary by office and procedure. Simple administrative tasks take days to weeks. Residency, tax, and property matters can take weeks to months. Having all documentation correct from the start prevents delays.
Where can I get help in English?
English-speaking gestoria offices on the Costa del Sol handle most expat administrative needs. See our guide to English-speaking gestorias for recommendations. Many town halls in tourist areas also have some English-speaking staff.
