Hello again Hiller

My case may be different because Pacentro has its own electricity so I pay them, but I pay a standing charge of about 16 euros every two months and hand in a reading every time I leave. We haven't got the SMART readers yet but am told they are on the way, which will be good.

I had a much bigger problem with gas (which you don't mention so maybe you don't have any) but this may be helpful to you. I was getting estimated bills from Enigas, based on the previous year's consumption when there was a tenant, so the winter one was high. I paid it and then spoke to Enigas who had in the meantime taken a reading and knew thay had to refund me - which they did. They were very helpful and said I should request a 'blocco consumo' which doesn't cut your supply but stops the estimated bills. It runs for a year and can be renewed. Maybe ENEL have something similar.

I was amazed how helpful they were, but maybe it wouldn't be so easy if you don't have much Italian.

Good luck anyway

www.italianforyou.co.uk

Hi, hiller and welcome. I am hopeless at finance so can only empathise.  My own gas bills are always sky high. Do you have an Enel office near you? I think it would be much easier to sort out if you could go and see them . I think they want to be helpful, Pat

Checking with an ENEL office seems a good idea as you can't beat face to face contact  particularly if your Italian is good.

I think obtaining residency is a good idea and shows a certain solidarity with your Italian neighbours.

However - getting ENEL to recognise this fact can be a long-winded process with many twists and turns but lower rates should be back-dated to your original application! As with many things Italian what is presented to you as near imposssible can suddenly take place. Take heart!