ahorr.ai · Blog
PVPC vs Mercado Libre: A Forensic Audit of Your Electricity Bill
Respuesta rápida
Choosing between PVPC and the free market depends on whether you prefer a variable price linked to the wholesale market or a stable, fixed rate set by a private company. In the Spanish electricity system, the regulated PVPC tariff fluctuates hourly, while the free market offers diverse plans with fixed prices or additional services. Understanding your consumption habits is essential to determine which model provides the most value for your household.
En 30 segundos
- ✓Locate the 'Datos del contrato' section to see if you are in 'PVPC' or 'Mercado Libre'.
- ✓Identify your maximum power peaks (P1 and P2) to see if you are overpaying for capacity.
- ✓Check the 'Servicios adicionales' line for maintenance fees that add no value.
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Transparencia y fuentes
Authorship, methodology and official sources.
Actualizado: 10 de enero de 2026
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Transparencia y fuentes
Authorship, methodology and official sources.
Actualizado: 10 de enero de 2026
Autoría
Equipo ahorr.ai
Auditoría energética (España)
Metodología orientada a decisión: separar coste fijo/variable, detectar extras y comparar opciones con números claros.
Metodología
- →Separamos coste fijo (potencia/término fijo), energía y cargos/impuestos.
- →Buscamos sobrecostes típicos: potencia sobredimensionada, servicios extra, lecturas estimadas.
- →Damos pasos accionables (qué tocar primero) con ejemplos orientativos, no promesas.
- →Enlazamos fuentes oficiales y marcamos lo que puede variar por comercializadora.
Información orientativa (España). Comprueba condiciones con tu comercializadora: precios, peajes, cargos e impuestos pueden variar.
The difference between options (applied to PVPC vs mercado libre)
Understanding the DNA of your bill is the first step to saving. The Spanish market is divided into two distinct zones, and knowing where you stand is vital.
Lo que te venden vs lo que pagas
Marketing often highlights a low price per kWh while hiding high power costs or mandatory maintenance services. In the free market, 'discounts' are frequently applied to inflated base prices, making the 'deal' less attractive than it appears.
La trampa de comparar solo kWh
Comparing only the energy price is a mistake. You must look at the total 'effective' price, which includes the power term, taxes, and any hidden extras that don't exist in the regulated PVPC.
Matriz de decisión (cuándo conviene cada una)
Your habits are the fingerprints that tell us which tariff you should use. There is no universal 'best' option, only the best for your profile.
Si consumes en punta
If your main consumption happens during the day (working from home, laundry at noon), a stable free market rate might protect you from high PVPC peaks during expensive hours.
Si puedes mover consumo a valle
If you can automate appliances to run at night or on weekends, the PVPC often provides the lowest possible cost because it lacks the 'risk premium' companies charge for fixed rates.
Riesgos y letra pequeña (en humano)
Every contract has its 'dark' corners. Here is what to watch out for to avoid being trapped in an expensive plan.
Volatilidad
PVPC is transparent but volatile. If the international gas market spikes, your bill will reflect it the next day. Free market rates offer a shield, but you pay for that insurance in your base price.
Permanencias y extras
The free market often uses 'loyalty' clauses. If you leave early, you might pay a penalty of 5% of the estimated remaining energy. PVPC never has permanence or exit fees.
Cómo decidir con tu consumo real (sin opiniónitis)
Stop listening to anecdotes and start looking at your data. Your smart meter has already recorded the truth of your energy usage.
Qué datos manda tu factura
Your bill contains your CUPS (Universal Supply Point Code), which is the key to your consumption history. This data, not a salesperson's pitch, should dictate your choice.
CTA a auditoría
The fastest way to solve the mystery is to run a forensic audit. By analyzing your actual usage, you can see if you are a candidate for PVPC or if a specific free market offer is better for your wallet.
Forensic Checklist: Auditing Your Current Tariff
- ✓Locate the 'Datos del contrato' section to see if you are in 'PVPC' or 'Mercado Libre'.
- ✓Identify your maximum power peaks (P1 and P2) to see if you are overpaying for capacity.
- ✓Check the 'Servicios adicionales' line for maintenance fees that add no value.
- ✓Verify if your price per kWh is fixed for 12 months or indexed to the hourly pool (OMIE).
- ✓Look for permanence clauses that might penalize you for switching providers.
- ✓Compare your 'effective price' (total bill divided by kWh) against the current PVPC average.
Decision Matrix: PVPC vs. Free Market
| Feature | PVPC (Regulated) | Free Market (Fixed/Indexed) |
|---|---|---|
| Price Stability | High volatility (changes hourly with the market) | High stability (usually fixed for 12 months) |
| Maintenance Services | Prohibited by law in this tariff | Often bundled as 'discounts' or hidden fees |
| Best for... | Users who can shift consumption to night/weekends | Users who want a predictable monthly budget |
| Permanence | None (switch whenever you want) | Varies (often 12 months with penalties) |
The PVPC price is directly linked to the wholesale market (OMIE) plus regulated tolls, with no profit margin added by the provider.
The Case of the Hidden Maintenance Fee
A retired homeowner in Madrid, who avoids sales calls at all costs, believed he was on a 'safe' fixed rate. Upon auditing his bill, we discovered he was paying for 4.6 kW of power despite his historical peaks never exceeding 2.8 kW. Furthermore, a 'Home Protection' service was adding nearly 7 euros to his monthly total without his knowledge, significantly inflating his effective cost per kWh.
Hallazgos
- ✓Contracted power: 4.6 kW vs actual peak: 2.8 kW
- ✓Hidden maintenance cost: €6.99/month found in small print
- ✓Effective price: 0.23 €/kWh (including hidden extras) vs 0.14 €/kWh market average
- ✓Potential savings identified: ~18% by removing 'vampire' services and adjusting power
No bill handy?
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Related guides
Preguntas frecuentes
Why trust ahorr.ai?
Free and no signup required. AI trained on the Spanish market. Privacy-first: we don't store your bills.
Disclaimers
- Informational tool; not financial advice.
- We don’t guarantee savings: these are estimates.