# Electricity Tariff Comparator: Free Market vs Regulated
Understanding the electricity bill in Spain has become a real challenge. With the volatility of energy prices, the choice between the Regulated Market (PVPC) and the Free Market can make a difference of hundreds of euros per year. Our tool uses updated power and energy cost data to help you decide. PVPC Dynamic hourly price
Free Fixed annual price
≈150€ Typical annual difference
PVPC — Regulated Market
The energy price changes every hour according to the wholesale market. On days with high renewable generation, it can drop to very low levels.
- No lock-in, free to switch
- Access to Social Bonus for vulnerable consumers
- Peak/Off-peak/Valley time-of-use pricing
Free Market — Fixed Price
Energy suppliers set a price per kWh that remains stable throughout the year, regardless of the wholesale market.
- Stability and predictability
- No surprises on the bill
- May include additional services
# The Three Time-of-Use Periods
Peak (most expensive): Mon–Fri 10:00–14:00 and 18:00–22:00. Standard (mid-price): Mon–Fri 08:00–10:00, 14:00–18:00 and 22:00–00:00. Off-peak (cheapest): Mon–Fri 00:00–08:00 and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Scheduling washing machines, dishwashers and electric car charging during off-peak hours is the key to extreme savings.The Discount Trap
Many free market offers promise a "20% discount". Make sure to ask on what base price that discount applies. Sometimes the base price is so inflated that, even with the discount, it ends up being more expensive than a standard tariff.
Key Factors to Decide
If your consumption is high and mostly during off-peak hours, PVPC is usually more advantageous.
If you value stability and do not want to watch the clock, choose a fixed price.
With solar panels, PVPC allows you to offset surplus at the hourly market price.
Reducing contracted power is often the fastest way to lower your bill.
PVPC has no lock-in: you can switch back at any time.