How much do you think you know about the electricity sector? There are many terms that you have probably never heard until they appear in your life and suddenly everyone expects you to know what they are talking about . This is the case of the Electric Bulletin or CIE . We want to bring you closer to the universe of electricity and we will tell you what the Electric Bulletin is and when you will need it .
The Electrical Bulletin is one of the most important documents in an electrical installation. Still, it’s very possible that it’s the first time you’ve heard of him. Your distributor may have asked you for this document at some time . But… Are you clear about what the electrical bulletin is and what is it for?
At Gana Energía, we believe that electricity companies have two missions: to offer the electricity rates with the best prices and to explain things to you in a simple and transparent way . If you want to discover more about this document that all properties must have, this is your article.
What is the Electric Bulletin
The definition of the Electrical Bulletin or CIE (for the acronym of Electrical Installation Certificate) says that it is a document certifying that the electrical installation is in good condition and meets the technical and safety requirements.
It is an official document that collects the characteristics of the installation : use of the property, surface, data of the general power line, location and system of the electricity meters through a diagram and a plan, voltage, verification measurements …
At the user level, the most important data in the Electric Bulletin is the maximum allowable power . When you want to check the electrical power that you have contracted, it is important to know what is the maximum that the installation supports. And this you can only find in the CIE.
The validity period of an Electric Bulletin is 20 years from its issuance. After this period, the distributor may request that it be updated if there has been any change in the installation.
The Electrical Bulletin can only be issued by an authorized electrician or installation company that guarantees the quality of the installation and its safety. The Industry seal certifies its validity and assigns it a file number that corresponds to the installation registration.
When you need the Electric Bulletin
Once you know what the Electric Bulletin is, it is time to find out when you will need it . There are a series of steps such as changes in the supply or the electricity contract in which the distributor needs this document.
Normally the distributor will ask for the CIE through the marketer , which is with whom the client usually speaks directly. Remember that the distributor is responsible for the supply , the meter reading and the breakdowns. The marketer , in this case Gana Energía, is the one with whom you have the electricity contract and issues you the invoices.
Now, we will tell you in which cases you will need the Electric Bulletin or CIE:
To register a new one for the first time . For example, if you enter to live in a new construction house, you must provide the Electrical Bulletin as part of the documentation. Or if the discharge is made in a property in which the electricity has previously been disconnected and the supply is to be recovered.
You will need the Electric Bulletin if you want to change the power of the property. Especially, to know what is the maximum power admitted by the installation. In fact, if you want to hire more power than is admissible , you will need a new CIE that certifies that doing so is safe.
This document is also necessary if you want to change the power of an uninterruptible supply. For example, a neighborhood community.
When you want to change your installation from single phase to three phase or make technical modifications. If it is a property for commercial use and there is a change in economic activity , it will also be necessary to review the bulletin.
If you are going to make a change in your contract and the newsletter was issued more than 20 years ago. In this case, it may be necessary to review it when you make a change of owner, rate or even company.
Keep in mind that, if you live in Catalonia , you may be required to obtain the Electrical Installations Recognition Bulletin (BRIE) or the Blue Bulletin . This document is necessary for supplies with a power lower than 20 kW and is a complement to the CIE.
How to get the Electrical Installation Certificate
If you want to know how to get the Electrical Bulletin, you may find yourself in one of these situations: a new construction installation; an electrical installation over 20 years old , or an installation where a major modification has been made.
How much does the Electric Bulletin cost ? There is no standard or regulated price, since each installer can set their rates. Everything will depend on the characteristics of the home and even the Autonomous Community in which you are.
On average, the price of an Electric Bulletin usually ranges between € 100 and € 150 . You must bear in mind that some communities require a fee of between € 30 and € 40 to installers for issuing the CIE.
And what about the deadlines for issuing the newsletter? Let’s get the calendar out. From the analysis work, it takes a few days for the electrician to issue it. Then, it has to go through the competent autonomous body for approval . This process is usually quite fast. Finally, the distributor has a maximum period of 7 days to approve the CIE .
Are you already more clear about what the Electric Bulletin is? Tell us in comments if you have ever been asked and in what situation. And remember that you do not need it to change companies, so we leave you here the electricity rates of Gana Energía in case you want to take a look at them … You are just one step away from saving on your bills!