You have just completed the signing of the final document, or perhaps you have inherited a property and are now holding the keys in your hands. The electricity bill still arrives at your new address but is addressed to the previous owner of the property. Until you inform the utility companies of your change of status, they will be unaware of your existence.
Many of our clients get the legal work completed before sorting out the utilities to move to their name. But old accounts in the previous owners’ names get closed and before you know it, bills are being sent to a name that doesn’t exist any more. Home Watch Athens can take photographs of the meters on handover, check the home every month for you and even pay the bills for you as a member of Home Watch.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide for all utilities on what you need to change electricity, water, and gas into your name after buying or inheriting in Greece. Also, we will guide you step-by-step on how to do everything from abroad.
Before you start: AFM, TAXISnet codes and your supply numbers
Three things are required before calling a utility provider to make changes to have your name added:
- A Greek tax number (AFM). All routes to change utilities require an AFM. Online routes may also require TAXISnet codes. If you are not a Greek resident, you can apply for an AFM through AADE. You can apply online, and there is also the option of a video call with AADE officials.
- Proof of ownership. To register for electricity and water supplies, you will usually need an E9 property declaration or the purchase contract or deed.
- The supply numbers for your property. The electricity supply number is typically a 9-digit number found on a recent electricity bill or in paperwork from the network operator. For water, use the details on a recent water bill. Ask your seller, notary, or the previous owner’s family for recent copies of the bills.
It is a good idea to take dated photos of all the meters on first entering the property. These will provide proof in any later disputes over consumption.
Electricity: changing the account holder
The procedure to change the holder of an electricity account with PPC can be completed online through e-contract.dei.gr. The required documents are:
- ID or passport
- Your AFM
- The supply number
- Your E9, as owner of the property, or your rental contract if you are a tenant
No charge is made for changing the account holder. The process takes around 3 working days to complete. The initial deposit for the property will need to be paid to PPC, but the amount should be checked with PPC as it can vary from property to property. Consumption by previous account holders is not passed to the new account holder. See Selectra’s guide for further details.
Different suppliers have slightly different online documentation for changes of account holder. You will need to refer to the list of documents required by your supplier and follow its online process.
[Image: PPC e-contract change account holder]
Electrician’s certificate (ΥΔΕ): Needed for reconnection or renovation work at the property. It seems that, as long as the certificate is valid, it does not need to be reissued simply because the name has changed. We advise you to confirm with PPC whether a change of owner necessitates a new certificate.
Water (EYDAP): the online name change
EYDAP has an online “Ενημέρωση Στοιχείων” (update details) service available to people over 18 years old. We advise you to check the required details online, as EYDAP’s requirements may change from time to time.
There is also a paper route. The change-of-name form, available online, requires:
- A current water bill
- Proof of your AFM
- Your E9 or the property deed
There is no cost to change the water account holder’s name via the paper route, and it is processed within 5 working days. If a representative submits the request for you, a separate authorisation may be needed with a signature certified by a public authority or notary.
Also bear in mind that, if you own an apartment and its water supply is shared with other apartments in the building, it may be paid through the common charges. In that case, speak to the building administrator about whether the account details need updating.
Gas: through your supplier
The change of name on a gas account is handled by the gas supplier. Enaon EDA manages the Attica gas distribution network but does not supply gas to consumers. The gas supplier handles the necessary paperwork with the network operator after verifying the required documents.
For example, Fysiko Aerio Ellados handles a change of account holder by phone, online chat or in person. It requires a copy of the account holder’s ID or passport, a recent bill from the previous supplier and a photograph of the meter. Other suppliers may have different requirements, so contact yours directly.
Inherited homes: the extra documents
When an account holder has died, the utility needs proof of the death and documents showing the new applicant’s connection to the inherited property. These may include:
- The death certificate
- A certificate of next of kin, which may be requested as proof of the closest relatives
- The property deed
- A copy of the deceased’s ID
These are in addition to the regular documents. According to Douleutaras and Selectra, inheritance applications may require additional checks and can take 5 to 10 working days with PPC.
Inheriting property also brings other questions that we answer in our post on the first 90 days of inheriting a home in Greece.
Doing it from abroad: authorisations and representatives
Online registration is usually possible from abroad if you have an AFM. You may also need TAXISnet codes. A verified mobile number is required for a gov.gr digital authorisation.
There are a couple of alternatives to doing everything yourself:
- A representative with authorisation to sign. EYDAP accepts an authorisation with a certified signature. Check with the other utilities what type of certification they accept from abroad.
- A gov.gr digital authorisation. The process requires TAXISnet or web banking codes and a verified mobile number. It is unclear whether a foreign number can be verified. We have not confirmed whether PPC and EYDAP accept a digital authorisation in place of a certified signature, so contact them first.
A full power of attorney is a bigger step. Read our guide to authorising someone to act for you and ask a lawyer which type of authorisation you need.
“Generally, the home is most exposed the week after completion. People are dealing with so many issues related to the legal side of their home, and nobody reads the meters or finds out who will be paying the bills. A simple dated photo of all the meters on the day of the handover can prevent a lot of problems later on.”
Yanis, Founder of Home Watch Athens
Documents checklist
| Utility | Documents | Application route | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity (PPC) | ID or passport, AFM, 9-digit supply number, E9 for owners | Online at e-contract.dei.gr | Around 2–3 working days; sometimes 5–10 for inheritance cases |
| Water (EYDAP) | Current water bill, proof of AFM, E9 or property deed | Online “Ενημέρωση Στοιχείων” service or paper form | About 5 working days for the paper route; free of charge |
| Gas | ID or passport, recent bill from the previous supplier, meter photo | Varies by supplier; ask about phone, chat or in-store options | Ask your supplier |
| Inherited home (extra) | Death certificate, next-of-kin certificate, property deed, deceased’s ID | Submit with the relevant application | Longer because of legal checks |
Before applying to transfer utilities into your name, verify the documents required by each supplier, as requirements change.
Once it’s done: e-bill and payment
Once you’ve transferred the accounts into your name, you can set up suppliers’ accounts to receive bills by email instead of having them delivered to an empty flat. You then decide how you wish to pay them. Our guide to paying Greek utility bills from abroad explains e-bills, card payments, PPC bank transfers, direct debit and what happens if a bill remains unpaid.
If you would rather have someone in Athens help with the paperwork, see our administrative representation service. We can also set up bill payments for you as a member service. We would quote a price before proceeding and would not make any bill payments without your prior approval.
Last reviewed 26 September 2026. Procedures, documents and deposits can change, and suppliers may ask for additional information. Check the current requirements with each supplier. This is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I change the electricity account into my name in Greece?
Apply through your electricity supplier. For PPC, use e-contract.dei.gr with your ID, AFM, supply number and E9 or purchase contract.
How long does the change take?
Approximately 2 working days for a PPC electricity name change application. An EYDAP water change usually takes about 5 working days through the paper route.
Can I do it from abroad?
Mostly yes, online using an AFM and any required TAXISnet codes, or through an authorised representative.
Do I inherit the previous owner’s unpaid bills?
The previous owner’s debt does not transfer to your account through a PPC name change. Check any building or utility arrears as part of the property handover.