Free tool

How much electrical power do you need to contract?

Tick the appliances you have at home and we tell you how much power to contract (in kW) so you neither overpay nor fall short. No sign-up.

We apply a 55% simultaneity factor: not all appliances run at the same time.

Indicative power
4,00kW
estimate rounded up to the next 0.1 kW increment
With a reasonable margin
The estimate applies simultaneity, but compare it with your actual maximum demand before changing the contract.
Installed power
7,2 kW
sum of everything ticked
With simultaneity
4 kW
estimated real usage

Indicative estimate based on typical appliance power and a general simultaneity factor. Supplies up to 15 kW with a compatible meter can be contracted in 0.1 kW increments and may have two power levels by time period. The final decision should use actual maximum demand, habits and the installation's admissible power.

Official source: CNMC contracted-power guide

How much electrical power to contract at home

Contracted power (in kW) sets how much electricity you can use at once. Contract too much and you pay an unnecessary fixed charge; contract too little and the meter or power-control function may interrupt supply when several appliances overlap. The RCD has a different role: protection against current leakage.

The calculator adds typical appliance power, applies an indicative simultaneity factor and rounds up to the next 0.1 kW increment. Domestic 2.0TD tariffs allow at least two contracted power levels by time period, so this single result is only a starting point. Before changing a contract, review the meter's recorded maximums and confirm the installation's admissible power.

What affects the power you need

  • Induction or ceramic hob: one of the biggest single loads (~3.5 kW) and a heavy factor in the calculation.
  • Air conditioning and heat pumps: they add power when running, especially at the same time as the kitchen.
  • EV charger: 3.7 to 7.4 kW; it usually forces a tier up if you charge at home.
  • Simultaneity: the more your usage overlaps (cooking while washing and cooling), the more power you need.
  • Electrical certificate: the grid operator may request a CIE when increasing power beyond the installation's registered or admissible value.

Frequently asked questions about contracted power

How much power do I need to contract at home?+

It depends on the appliances, how many overlap and your actual maximum demand. This calculator applies a general factor and rounds up to the next 0.1 kW increment, but compare the result with meter data and the installation's admissible power.

Why does the power go off when several appliances run?+

If simultaneous demand exceeds contracted power, the meter or power-control function may interrupt the supply. This is different from an RCD tripping because of current leakage. Distinguish the two causes before increasing power.

Can I increase my contracted power?+

Yes. The change is requested through your supplier and the installation must support the new power. The grid operator may request additional documents; we inspect the panel and, when required, the company issues, signs and processes the CIE.

Do I need an electrical certificate to change my power?+

The grid operator may require an Electrical Installation Certificate when the increase exceeds the installation's registered or admissible power. We review the case and, when required, the company issues, signs and processes the CIE.