The OMIC continues to provide its services to the public electronically and through the 010 phone service. Claims and enquiries will continue to be preferably dealt with online. For those inquiries or complaints that require face-to-face attention, you must make an appointment in advance on the municipal procedures portal ajuntament.barcelona.cat/cita/omic, by calling 010, or at the Municipal Procedures Kiosk.
Gas
Barcelona’s residential gas installations include butane gas, natural gas and boilers. However, they each have their own characteristics, and there are some matters to take into account:
Butane
The gas most commonly used in homes without a gas mains connection is butane in cylinders. The price of traditional cylinders is regulated by law. However, if you request an additional service, such as the installation of a cylinder, you may be charged extra. Since this is a purchase of a product, the seller must give you a receipt or proof of purchase.
As regards maintenance and inspections, portable stoves or heaters that use a single cylinder do not need to undergo regular inspections. All other butane gas installations are subject to a mandatory inspection every five years, which must be carried out by an installation company requested by you. It is important for the company to be registered in the Register of Industrial Safety Agents of Catalonia (RASIC). Once it has carried out the inspection, the company must place a sticker with the date on it and give you a certificate. Bear in mind that prices vary and you can choose whichever offer suits you best. You do not need to sign a maintenance contract.
Natural gas
Before signing up for a natural gas contract, compare prices and services and check the terms of the contract, as you may find that it includes additional services or penalties on cancellation. As with electricity suppliers, natural gas suppliers are not allowed to come to your door to sell you their services unless you have requested this. If you receive an offer, consider it carefully before signing up, and always keep a copy. Never give your personal or bank details until you are completely sure you want to go ahead.
Natural gas installations are subject to mandatory inspections every five years. It is usually your utility company who carries these out, but you can choose a different company if you like. You have three months to decide. If you choose to go with another company, your chosen company will send the details of the inspection to your supplier. Once the installation has passed the inspection, you will be given a certificate. The cost of the inspection must be included in the gas bill. You can never be charged in cash or separately.
Boilers
There are no stipulated prices for boilers. You will need to ask for a quote and consider it carefully before signing up for the service. Remember that you need to have an inspection every two years. To do this, you will need to hire a RASIC-registered installation or maintenance company. Once it has carried out the inspection, the company must place a sticker with the relevant information on it and give you a certificate. You do not need to sign a maintenance contract. If you ever receive a visit at home that you had not requested, do not let them carry out the inspection.
