Utilities in an Athens Flat: Electricity, Water, Gas and Internet
Setting up an Athens flat means four separate accounts plus the building's common charges. Here is who supplies what, which documents you need and how the color-coded power tariffs work.
To set up utilities in an Athens flat, you move the electricity contract to a supplier such as PPC (DEI), transfer the EYDAP water account, and order internet from Cosmote, Vodafone or Nova. Each needs your AFM tax number, ID and the AADE lease certificate, and most switches take a few days to about a week.
The building’s common charges (koinochrista) come on top and are paid to the building manager. Prices below are as of November 2026 and change often, especially electricity.
What documents do you need to put bills in your name?
Every provider asks for roughly the same set:
- Passport or EU ID card.
- AFM tax number.
- The lease certificate from myAADE, which proves you live at the address. See our guide to renting an apartment in Athens for how the lease is registered.
- A recent bill or the supply number printed on it. For electricity this is the supply number (arithmos parochis) that identifies the meter.
- A Greek IBAN if you want direct debit. Some providers accept card payment instead.
Ask the landlord for the last bills when you get the keys and take a photo of each meter reading. That reading closes the previous account and protects you from earlier debts.
How do electricity tariffs work in Greece?
Greek retail electricity tariffs are sorted by color, so customers can compare plans across suppliers. HEDNO (DEDDIE) runs the network and the meters whichever supplier you pick.
| Color | Type | How the price is set |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | Fixed | Price per kWh fixed for the contract term, often 12 months |
| Green | Variable, announced monthly | Price published at the start of each month; the default if you choose nothing |
| Yellow | Variable, set afterwards | Price follows the wholesale market and is fixed after the month is used |
| Orange | Dynamic | Price changes during the day with the wholesale market; needs a suitable meter |
The difference can be large. In November 2026, PPC’s green tariff was 16.9 cents per kWh for households using up to 200 kWh a month, and 28.4 cents on all consumption above that threshold, before standing charges and taxes. Some other suppliers’ green rates were near 37 to 40 cents. PPC’s fixed blue myHome Online plan was 13 cents per kWh for 12 months. For a household using 400 kWh in November 2026, that meant about €114 in energy charges on PPC green against €52 on the blue plan.
Besides PPC, the largest suppliers include Heron, Protergia, Elpedison and others. Switching is done through the new supplier and usually takes about a week. Compare the price per kWh, the standing charge and any discount tied to paying on time.
How do you set up water and gas?
Water in Athens comes from EYDAP, the Athens water and sewerage company. The account is linked to the property. Tenants transfer it into their name at an EYDAP customer office or online with the lease certificate. Bills include water, sewerage charges and fees, and are usually small for one or two people. If the building has a single water meter, water is split through the common charges instead.
Natural gas is available in much of central Athens and in many suburbs, but not every building is connected. Gas heating and hot water are cheaper to run than electric heaters in most cases. If the flat has a gas boiler, ask the landlord for the boiler’s service record, then open a supply contract with a gas supplier using the same documents. For heating support, see our guide to the Greek heating allowance.
Which internet providers are there?
The three fixed-line providers are Cosmote, Vodafone and Nova. Fiber to the home is available in a growing share of central Athens, while many older buildings still get VDSL over copper.
- Check your address on each provider’s site for fiber (FTTH) or VDSL.
- Pick a speed. As of November 2026, 200 Mbps fiber plans are advertised from about €27 to €29 a month, with promotions and bundles changing often. Faster plans cost more.
- Book installation. A fiber install may need the building manager’s permission to run cable through the stairwell.
- Expect a 12- or 24-month contract. Ending early can carry a fee, so read the terms if you might move.
Mobile-only internet is an option for short stays. Prepaid SIM cards from the same three companies include generous data allowances.
What are common charges, and who pays them?
Common charges (koinochrista) cover the shared costs of the building: cleaning, stair lights, the lift, water for shared areas and, in buildings with central heating, the heating oil or gas. The building manager (diachiristis), often a professional company, posts a monthly statement in the entrance or sends it by email.
Tenants usually pay the running costs. Owners pay for major works such as a new roof or lift. Central heating is split by a fixed share per flat, sometimes adjusted by heat meters, so a ground-floor tenant may pay much less than a top floor with a larger share. Ask to see last winter’s statements.
What do utilities cost per month?
Rough monthly ranges for a one or two-person flat of 50 to 70 m², as of November 2026:
| Item | Typical range | What pushes it up |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €40–120 | Air conditioning in summer, electric heaters in winter, a green tariff |
| Water | €10–25 | Larger households |
| Internet | €25–40 | Faster fiber, TV bundles |
| Common charges | €20–60, more in winter | Central heating, a lift, a concierge |
These are estimates, not quotes. Your actual bill depends on insulation, orientation and how you heat and cool. Our cost of living in Athens guide puts them next to rent and food.
Bottom line
Check the tariff color on your first electricity bill, because a flat left on a green default plan can cost twice as much in a high-price month. Ask the landlord for last winter’s common charge statements before signing, since central heating is the cost newcomers most often underestimate.
FAQ
Can the bills stay in the landlord’s name?
Some landlords prefer this and pass the bills on. Having them in your name gives you proof of address and control over the tariff.
Do I need a Greek bank account for utilities?
Not always. Many providers accept card payments or payment codes at banks and post offices, but direct debit needs a Greek or SEPA IBAN.
How long does it take to switch electricity supplier?
About a week from signing with the new supplier, depending on HEDNO. There is no power cut during the switch.
Is natural gas cheaper than electricity for heating?
Usually, but it depends on prices that month and the flat’s equipment. A heat pump air conditioner can also be cheap to run in a mild Athens winter.
