Smart Glossary: what you need to know

If you feel confused by Italian utility paperwork, this quick guide is here to help: the terms below are the ones you will see most often on bills, contracts and welcome letters.

Italian energy and utility terms explained

Italian terms are kept in their original form (they are the words you will actually see on documents), with a clear English explanation next to each entry.

ARERA

The Italian regulatory authority for electricity, gas and water services. ARERA sets rules and tariffs for the protected market and supervises the free market.

Allacciamento

The physical connection of the power or gas network to your home, including the installation of a new meter.

Autolettura

A self-reading of your meter, which you can send to your supplier so the bill reflects your actual consumption instead of an estimate.

Assicurazione casa

Home insurance, covering damage to the property and, depending on the policy, third-party liability and contents.

Assistenza

Customer service or technical assistance, typically the support line you call when you have an issue with a supplier or service.

Bolletta

A utility bill, whether for electricity, gas, water, internet or landline.

Caldaia

A boiler used for hot water and central heating, in most Italian flats fuelled by natural gas.

Revisione caldaia

Boiler maintenance: the legally required periodic check and servicing of your gas boiler.

Cambio fornitore

A switch of energy supplier. You can move from one provider to another without changing the meter or interrupting the supply.

Codice Fiscale

The Italian tax identification code, similar to a Social Security Number in the US or a National Insurance Number in the UK. You need it for almost any contract in Italy.

Contatore

Your electricity or gas meter, used to measure consumption.

Contatore moroso

A meter that has been blocked or disconnected by the distributor because of unpaid bills.

Copertura

Coverage, typically used for mobile and broadband signal in a given address or area.

Distributore

The distribution network operator that owns and maintains the local power or gas grid. The distributor is the same regardless of which supplier you choose.

Elettrodomestici

Household appliances such as washing machine, fridge, oven and dishwasher.

Energia rinnovabile

Renewable energy produced from green sources like solar panels, wind farms, hydropower and biomass.

Fibra

Optical fibre internet connection, the fastest broadband technology available in Italy.

Fornitore

Your supplier or provider (energy, gas, internet or mobile). The fornitore is the company that bills you and that you can switch.

POD

Point Of Delivery: the unique identification code of your electricity meter, printed on every electricity bill.

PDR

Punto di Riconsegna (redelivery point): the unique identification number of your gas meter, printed on every gas bill.

Tariffe

The pricing structure applied to your power or gas supply, including the energy rate, network costs and taxes.

Voltaggio

Voltage. The standard domestic voltage in Italy is 230 V, with a typical contracted power of 3 kW.

Voltura

The administrative procedure used to change the name of the account holder on an existing energy or gas contract, for example when you move into a flat where the meter is already active.

Save the environment and switch to renewable energy

Moving to a new home is a great opportunity to make positive changes. One of the easiest is choosing an electricity offer based on renewable sources: green energy produced by solar panels, wind farms, hydropower and biomass.

Many Italian suppliers now offer 100% renewable electricity plans at prices comparable to standard offers. If you are not sure which one fits your usage, our English-speaking advisors can compare the options with you and handle the activation.