What it is and who requests it
The new holder carries out the procedure. Individuals must be 18 or older; for legal entities, whoever acts as representative must prove that capacity. It is the step that puts the electricity supply in the name of whoever occupies or buys the property.
Requirements
- No debt with UTE (a requirement for the in-person procedure).
- ID document and, for legal entities, the RUT number.
- Proof of representation or ownership.
- Online: the UTE account number, shown on the bill, and personal details.
- By phone: any one of these details: account number, address, name of the current holder, or name and ID number of the new holder.
A question for foreign buyers: the official UTE page asks for a “Documento Nacional de Identidad” and does not mention the passport; confirm it with UTE before starting the procedure.
Channels
| Channel | Condition | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Online | UTE username and password; you must be or have been a customer | “Start online procedure” on gub.uy |
| In person | Appointment at a commercial office | UTE Commercial Offices |
| Phone | Individuals only | 0800 1930 from a landline, *1930 from a mobile |
| To book an appointment | 098 193 000 |
Cost and timing
The procedure is free. UTE does not publish a processing time. It also does not say whether the procedure differs for owners and tenants or how to proceed if the holder has died; those questions are settled by phone or at a commercial office.
What the energy costs once the change is made
For a household on the Simple Residential Tariff (contracted power up to 40 kW), Decree 339/025 sets these values from January 1, 2026, in Uruguayan pesos and before the taxes on the bill:
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Energy, 1 to 100 kWh per month | UYU 6.744 per kWh |
| Energy, 101 to 600 kWh per month | UYU 8.452 per kWh |
| Energy, from 601 kWh per month | UYU 10.539 per kWh |
| Contracted power | UYU 83.2 per kW |
| Monthly fixed charge | UYU 324.9 |
A complication specific to seasonal properties
If the house was closed and the service has accumulated debt, the change of holder is blocked until it is settled. In a sale, this is resolved before closing: ask for the latest bills, check the balance using the account number and agree with the seller on who pays any debt. The contracted power of the supply conditions any later solar installation, because the peak power of the panels cannot exceed it (see our note on solar panels and UTE in Maldonado).
Keep reading
- How to transfer the OSE water account
- Solar panels in Maldonado and the UTE contract
- How to buy property in Uruguay as a foreigner (in Spanish)
And next?
Buying on the Maldonado coast? Review the properties for sale and reach the closing with the utilities in order.
View properties for sale (in Spanish)
