Electrics

Its me again - How do we go about sorting out the electricity supply for our new apartment.From what I have read we seem to have to go somewhere to get it all started but the book was as clear as mud !

I will try not to think of too many more questions but probably will ! 

Some, if not all banks have a service whereby they will set up your utilities for you, we used Solbank's free service for this and they were extremely efficient and quick. Much quicker (and cheaper) than lots of our neighbours who used their solicitors to do it. Banco Santander also have this service. so I'm sure the others do.

Hi ef

Do the banks advertise these services on their webpages? I bank with Barclays and don't recall having seen anything about it.

Mark

Hi Mark

Solbank and Banco Santander both have leaflets in the branches about it, don't know whether Barclays do it, they may feel that they don't need any added-value services for Brits, just being a British bank might be enough! It is certainly on the Solbank website - part of their "Prestige Care Account", I haven't got around to going on the Banco Santander website yet. When we were shopping around for banks, we discounted Barclays as they were really expensive compared to Solbank.

Emma

You need the official "boletin" from the developer before you can do anything. This is basically a certificate that states everything is correct and legal with the installation. No LFO - no boletin. But then, you all have the LFO, right?

Sevillana (supplier for CDS) do not insist on standing order, you can pay cash on receipt of your factura (invoice) which comes every 2 months. So no need to involve the bank - although of course it may be easier for some to do it that way, especially if you are not living here year round. Just make sure you check your bank statements carefully. Banks are not to be trusted, IMHO!

I meant to say that in my earlier post about the Boletin and forgot, yes you do need it, but an email or fax copy will do.

I know you live there, Roberto and I'm a mere part-time newcomer, but  I still say that Solbank Prestige Care were FANTASTIC in getting my electric connected - free service, 48 hours from supplying the boletin by email from UK I had electricity in my newly acquired apt in Spain. Solbank were really good, efficient and helpful. They also told me how to get the water connected which I then did myself on my next trip - again very simple and straightforward and connected on the next day! Our solicitor wanted 1,000 Euros and 6-8 weeks to do what Solbank and I achieved for free and within 48 hours in both cases. I have not really experienced the banks for long enough to be able to comment on them beyond that, but the service I receive from Solbank in Estepona is 2nd to none - personal banking that you don't get in the UK anymore. (And their online banking is far superior to my UK Barclays and NatWest versions too!) And no, I'm not on any kind of commission!

It sounds like Solbank have been very helpful to you in setting up the service payments on your new house.

I've been with them for 4 years but now I find the fees have gone up and I'm paying over 200e a year.  I use the account to pay the houshold bills by direct debit and I load it up each visit.  I don't draw cash from the account as I use my Nationwide debit card for any cash I need.

Next trip I'm going to change the account to Halifax as I understand if you leave 600e in the account all charges are free including the bi annual declaration of non residence status..  As I leave more than this amount in my account this bank will work out better.

You had best be careful with your nationwide card transactions.  i understand that they are ending this free transaction service if it has not already done so.

we use the Halifax and even get our statements back in the UK. Also we get free transfers from our UK halifax account at a reasonable exchange rate.

Steve

I think the Nationwide debit card will continue to be free to use for foreign cash withdrawals - there is a change to the amount being charged on credit card withdrawals however. But don't take my word for it, check with your branch.

I've heard good reports from other foreign residents about Solbank. Certainly sounds like they offer a good service, and nobody minds paying a little to get good service. I mentioned my lack of faith in banks only as a warning that banks can & do make mistakes, and in my experience at least, when that happens, it's not always as easy to get them to correct their error, even when it obviously was their error. Customer care is not a high priority here

Well, I have been emailing two different addresses at Key Mare trying to get water/ electricity connection details for the last week or so. Why doesn't it surprise me that no- one can be bothered to answer? We are hoping to complete in less than two weeks now and this is now a priority as far as I am concerned as we would like it all connected when we visit mid October, or what is the point? Both utilities are also needed for snagging purposes.

Anyone with any ideas how to give them a right royal kick up the ar*e?

Mark

Why not PM "Wetone" to see if he can help?

Noreen

Is that Phil Noreen? If so, I have emailed him in the past and been ignored too!!

Mark

Yes it is Phil.

Have you just PM'd him or did you have his keymare email address?

I will PM the Keymare one to you.

Noreen

I have used his KM address. I have only been answered  1 in 3 times!! I suppose it won't hurt to try and pm him as another avenue.

Mark