When renting or buying a property in Spain, many landlords or agents will arrange connection of the main utilities prior to moving in, however it is worth knowing the major companies and how to contact them. If you a buying a new home, it is probable that you will be expected to pay for the connection to all the major utilities, rather than the developer.

Many expats from colder countries find their energy consumption drops, thanks to the warm summers and milder winters, meaning less central heating is required. In fact, many properties will not have central heating or air conditioning installed.

Although the Spanish energy market was opened up in 2003, there are still many areas with only one choice of provider. In Alicante, the provider for electricity is Iberdrola (www.iberdrola.es). The website is available in English and an online form is available to sign up.

Gas is also available in Alicante through Gas Alicante, operated by Endesa (www.endesaonline.es).

Water is an obvious difficulty in Spain, and particularly on the Mediterranean coast where rainfall is low during the summer months. It is not advised to drink the tap water; bottled water is widely available, with 5 litre bottles costing around 1 euro. Bottled water can be delivered to your home, to save carrying heavy bottles from the supermarket.

Water supply is controlled by Aguas Municipalizadas de Alicante and connection can be arranged by registering on their website, www.aguasdealicante.es, or visiting their offices at Calle Alona, 31 in Alicante.

Household waste is expected to be sorted, bagged and placed in the relevant recycling bins available outside most buildings, and on every residential street. Yellow bins are for plastic, cartons and cans, green bins for glass, blue for paper and cardboard, with non-recyclable waste placed in the black bins.

The area's main waste disposal centre, Alicante Ecoparque, is situated on the main Alicante to Elche road, and is open seven days a week. A full list of what can and can't be deposited there, plus opening times can be found at www.alicante.es/ingles/environment/eco1. Larger items such as furniture can also be collected from home by calling 900 729729.