Consumer organisation Asociación de Consumidores de Navarra Irache reports that two in three people in Navarra check their electricity and gas bills at least once a year. According to a survey commissioned by Irache, 66 per cent of respondents said they checked their bills annually. The organisation strongly recommends this practice to ensure that the amounts charged correspond to the services agreed in the contract.
Irache warns about add-on services often sold with contracts on the deregulated market and later appearing as recurring items on bills. Examples include appliance assistance, payment-protection plans and maintenance services. Many consumers pay for these services for months or years without using them or even realising they have them. If not cancelled in time, these items can add up to hundreds of euros a year.
The organisation advises checking bills line by line: the tariff and its price components, recorded consumption, taxes and regulated charges, as well as all recurring items. If anything is unclear, consumers should request the written contract terms and cancel unwanted add-on services within the required period, keeping proof. Irache advises accepting contracts by phone only when complete contract documentation is provided and delivered.
The findings reflect heightened attention to energy bills in the region. Irache reported a high number of consultations and complaints in the energy sector in 2025. According to the organisation, a significant proportion of cases concerned issues such as unclear contract clauses, inaccurate or estimated meter readings and unclear price information. Against this background, Irache sees the current rate of regular bill checks as a sign that many households are paying closer attention, while others continue to pay for extra services they do not need.
The fact is that the survey figures now published relate to Navarre and the behaviour of respondents there. The assessments and warnings come from Irache. The organisation does not quantify specific savings from systematic checks; instead, it points to the possibility of reducing ongoing costs by identifying and cancelling unnecessary services.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).