Setting Up Utilities in Gibraltar: Electricity, Water, Internet and Gas Guide 2026
Setting up electricity, water, internet and gas in Gibraltar when you move in. Who the providers are, what you need, costs, and what to expect in 2026.
Last updated: April 2026
Setting up utilities when you move to Gibraltar is more straightforward than in many countries, partly because the choices are simpler: in most cases, there is one provider for each service. Here is what you need to set up electricity, water, internet and gas in Gibraltar, and what to expect from each.
Quick Summary
- Electricity and water in Gibraltar are provided by the Gibraltar Electricity Authority (GEA) and Gibraltar Waterworks respectively, both government-run
- Broadband is available from multiple providers; speeds are good and contracts are flexible
- Mains gas does not exist in Gibraltar. Cooking gas comes from bottled LPG, usually Calor Gas or similar
- Most utility accounts require your NIE or Gibraltar ID and proof of residency
- Utility costs in Gibraltar are broadly comparable to UK rates, with electricity slightly higher
Electricity in Gibraltar
The Gibraltar Electricity Authority (GEA) is the sole electricity provider. There is no competition, no switching, and no tariff comparison needed. You register with GEA and that is that.
How to Register
- Visit the GEA offices on John Mackintosh Square
- Bring your passport or ID, proof of your Gibraltar address (rental agreement or utility bill at that address), and any existing meter readings
- Pay the connection deposit (typically £50 to £100 for residential)
- Account is set up within a few working days
Electricity Costs
Gibraltar electricity rates are published by the GEA. As of 2026, standard residential rates are approximately 22 to 26 pence per kWh, slightly higher than UK average. Most Gibraltar apartments use air conditioning heavily in summer months, which significantly increases bills from June to September. Budget accordingly if moving in summer.
Water in Gibraltar
Gibraltar Waterworks manages the territory's water supply. Gibraltar uses a combination of seawater desalination and water imported from Spain. Water quality is good and tap water is safe to drink throughout Gibraltar.
Water accounts are typically set up via your landlord in rented accommodation. In many rental properties, water is included in the rent or in a service charge. Check your tenancy agreement to confirm whether you need to set up a separate account or whether it is managed by the building.
In most Ocean Village and modern apartment blocks, water is billed collectively via a service charge rather than individually metered per flat. If you are in a standalone house or older property, you are more likely to need an individual account. Your landlord should clarify this before you move in.
Broadband and Internet
Gibraltar has good broadband infrastructure for its size. The main providers are:
| Provider | Type | Approx Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| GibTelecom | Fibre / FTTC | £35 to £55/month |
| Gibtelecom + TV package | Bundled | £55 to £80/month |
| Sapphire Networks | Fibre to some areas | £40 to £60/month |
Speeds are generally adequate for remote working, video calls and streaming. Installation typically takes 5 to 10 business days. GibTelecom is the dominant provider and has the most complete coverage across Gibraltar's residential areas.
Gas in Gibraltar
There is no mains gas network in Gibraltar. This surprises many British expats used to central heating and gas hobs. Cooking is done via electric hob or bottled LPG gas. Most modern apartments in Gibraltar are fully electric.
If your property has a gas hob or a gas heater, it will use bottled LPG (Calor-type gas cylinders). These are available from hardware shops and petrol stations in Gibraltar. A standard gas cylinder costs approximately £20 to £30 and lasts several weeks with normal cooking use.
Mobile Phone and SIM
Gibraltar has its own mobile network (GibTelecom). Your UK SIM may work on roaming in Gibraltar but charges can apply depending on your contract, as Gibraltar is not part of the UK for mobile roaming purposes under post-Brexit arrangements. Getting a Gibraltar SIM (or a contract with GibTelecom) is worth considering if you plan to stay longer than a few weeks.
Practical Tips for Setting Up
- Get your NIE or Gibraltar residency documentation sorted first. Most utility accounts require proof of identity and Gibraltar address. Without these, the process is slower.
- Check what is included in your rent. Many landlords include some utilities (particularly water, sometimes electricity) in the monthly rent. Clarify this before signing.
- Order broadband before you move in. Installation times of 5 to 10 days mean you may be without internet for over a week if you wait until arrival.
- Take meter readings on day one. Even if your landlord registers utilities, note the meter reading when you move in and photograph it. It protects you when you move out.
The Bottom Line
Setting up utilities in Gibraltar is simpler than in many countries because the provider market is limited. GEA for electricity, Gibraltar Waterworks for water, GibTelecom for broadband. The main things to sort in advance are your identity documents and clarifying what your landlord includes in the rent. The biggest adjustment for British expats is usually the absence of mains gas, but most Gibraltar properties are set up for electric cooking so it is rarely a problem in practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provides electricity in Gibraltar?
The Gibraltar Electricity Authority (GEA) is the sole electricity provider. There is no choice of supplier. Register at their offices on John Mackintosh Square with your ID and proof of address. The connection deposit is typically £50 to £100.
Does Gibraltar have mains gas?
No. Gibraltar has no mains gas network. Cooking in properties with gas appliances uses bottled LPG cylinders, available from hardware shops and petrol stations. Most modern apartments in Gibraltar are fully electric and do not use gas at all.
What broadband is available in Gibraltar?
GibTelecom is the primary provider, offering fibre and FTTC broadband from approximately £35 to £55 per month. Sapphire Networks covers some areas. Speeds are generally adequate for remote working. Installation takes 5 to 10 business days.
Is tap water safe to drink in Gibraltar?
Yes. Tap water in Gibraltar is safe to drink and meets European water quality standards. Gibraltar's supply comes from seawater desalination and water imported from Spain.
