How to Transfer Electricity and Gas Contracts to Your Name in Rome
Moving into a new place in Rome? Here's how to put electricity and gas in your name, what documents you need, and what it actually costs.
In a nutshell
When you move into a new home in Italy you need to put the electricity and gas accounts in your name. There are two procedures: a voltura (transfer) if the meter is already active, or a subentro (reconnection) if the meter has been switched off. The rules are set by ARERA (Autorità di Regolazione Energia Reti e Ambiente — Italy's energy regulator) and apply to all suppliers. In Rome the electricity distribution network is run by Areti (Acea Group) or e-distribuzione (Enel Group); the gas distribution network is run by Italgas Reti.
At a glance
| Cost — transfer (voltura) | €40–60 (administrative fee €25.81 + VAT + revenue stamp €16) |
| Cost — reconnection (subentro) | €70–100 |
| Timeline | Transfer: 7 working days. Reconnection: 7–30 days |
| Where in Rome | Online / supplier app or in-person counter |
| Essential document | Italian Codice Fiscale (Italian tax ID — your personal 16-character code) |
Transfer, reconnection, or new connection — which one applies to you?
| Situation | Procedure |
|---|---|
| Meter is active, electricity already on | Voltura (transfer) |
| Meter is disconnected or sealed | Subentro (reconnection) |
| No meter ever installed | Prima attivazione (new connection) |
| Changing supplier, keeping the same account holder | Switch |
A voltura is the quickest option: the supply is never interrupted, only the name on the account changes. This is the typical scenario when you take over from previous tenants or a family member.
A subentro also requires the distributor to physically reactivate the meter, which takes longer. If the meter has been off for a long time, you may also need a declaration of electrical/gas system compliance under DM 37/2008.
A prima attivazione (brand-new connection) is the most complex situation: it involves a site survey, meter installation, and a quote from the distributor. Lead times can reach 60 days — often longer in Rome given the workload on distributors.
Documents you need
For a voltura (transfer) you need:
- POD code (electricity) — 14 characters starting with "IT001E", printed on the meter or on an old bill
- PDR (gas meter point reference) — 14 digits, on the side label of the gas meter
- Meter reading at the moment of transfer (take a photo with the date clearly visible)
- Codice Fiscale (Italian tax ID)
- ID document
- Full address (street, number, staircase, floor, unit)
- Proof of occupancy (registered rental contract, deed of sale, or self-declaration)
- IBAN if you want direct-debit payment
For a subentro (reconnection) you need the same documents. If you can't find the POD or PDR code, call the distributor directly with your Codice Fiscale and address: Areti 800 130 336, Italgas Reti 800 915 150, e-distribuzione 803 500.
If you've just arrived from abroad: the Italian Codice Fiscale is mandatory. Non-EU citizens are normally also required to show their permesso di soggiorno (residence permit for non-EU citizens). Some suppliers accept payment by postal order or prepaid credit card if you don't yet have an Italian bank account.
Step-by-step: how to make the request
Step 1 — Find your meter code. POD for electricity, PDR for gas. If you can't locate them, the distributor can look them up for you.
Step 2 — Choose your supplier. The distribution network is fixed by zone, but you choose the commercial supplier (the company that issues your bill) from the open market. Compare offers for free and neutrally at the ARERA Portale Offerte.
Step 3 — Contact your chosen supplier. You can apply online, via the supplier's app, by phone, at a physical counter, or by PEC (Italy's certified email system). The main suppliers (Enel, A2A, Edison, ENI Plenitude, Acea Energia) all have guided online processes.
Step 4 — Complete the application. Enter the POD/PDR, meter reading, personal details, address, and IBAN. Sign electronically or bring the paperwork to a store.
Step 5 — Wait for processing. ARERA sets standard deadlines: 7 working days for a standard transfer or simple reconnection; up to 30 days for a complex reconnection. If the supplier misses the deadline, it is legally required to credit you an automatic compensation on your next bill (€35–70).
Step 6 — Receive confirmation and your first bill. You'll get written confirmation by email, and your first bill arrives within 2–3 months.
Standard ARERA costs
Transfer (voltura)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Administrative fee | €25.81 + 22% VAT |
| Revenue stamp (marca da bollo) | €16.00 |
| Supplier charges | €0–30 |
| Typical total | €40–60 |
Reconnection (subentro)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Administrative fee | €25.81 + VAT |
| Meter reactivation charge | €23 + VAT (electricity) / variable (gas) |
| Revenue stamp (marca da bollo) | €16.00 |
| Typical total | €70–100 |
A brand-new connection (prima attivazione) is a different ballpark entirely: €300–1,500 for electricity and €300–2,000 for gas, depending on the distance from the mains and the existing infrastructure.
The social tariff (bonus bolletta)
If your ISEE (income-and-wealth indicator used to qualify for means-tested benefits in Italy) is below €9,530 — or €20,000 if you have four or more dependent children — you qualify for the bonus sociale, a discount applied automatically to your electricity, gas, and water bills. Once you submit the DSU form to a CAF (free assistance office for tax forms and benefits applications), the discount kicks in automatically on your bills; you don't have to do anything extra. Non-Italian residents need their Codice Fiscale and documented proof of income.
Mistakes to avoid
-
Skipping the meter reading before you sign. An incorrect reading at the time of transfer will generate painful catch-up charges in later bills. Take a photo with the date and the meter digits clearly visible.
-
Forgetting the water account. The Acea ATO 2 (Rome's water utility) transfer is a completely separate process, costs around €25 plus stamps, and must be handled independently. Their freephone number is 800 130 335.
-
Paying cash to door-to-door agents. No legitimate utility operator is authorised to collect cash. Bills are settled by bank transfer, SEPA direct debit, banking app, or postal order.
Special cases
Death of the account holder: a voltura mortis causa (bereavement transfer) is free or at a reduced rate with most suppliers. You need the death certificate and a signed declaration from the heir or incoming tenant.
Unknown POD or PDR: call the distributor with your Codice Fiscale and address — Areti 800 130 336, Italgas Reti 800 915 150, e-distribuzione 803 500.
Shared meter (centralised gas in a condominium building): no individual transfer is needed — the cost is included in the regular condominium service charges.
Express transfer in 24 hours: some suppliers offer a fast-track voltura express for an extra €30–50. Check availability directly with your chosen supplier.
Official sources
- ARERA — Energy Regulator
- ARERA — Electricity consumers
- ARERA — Gas consumers
- Sportello del Consumatore Energia (consumer help desk)
- ARERA Conciliation Portal
- Electricity & gas offer comparison portal
- Areti — electricity distributor Rome
- Italgas Reti — gas distributor Rome
- e-distribuzione — Enel Group
- Acea ATO 2 — water utility Rome
Legal references: Delibera ARERA 783/2017/R/com (Testo Integrato Volture); Delibera ARERA 569/2019/R/com (qualità commerciale); Delibera ARERA 200/99 (qualità elettrica); D.Lgs. 206/2005 — Codice del Consumo; DM 22/01/2008 n. 37.