When you rent a home or apartment, the electricity is usually already connected in your landlord's name and is usually one of only three only basic services (including water and natural gas) that have already been set up and it may not be necessary for you to do so. You will simply take over the payments and this should be in your written contract. The invoice you get each time you pay will be in their name. If you should need these invoices for tax purposes, the government allows you to turn them in and deduct them even if they are not in your name because they understand it is a rental situation.
However, if you buy or build your own home, the connection and invoicing must be in your name. In addition, if you purchase a home it may already have a meter, but if it doesn’t, or if you build a home you will have to purchase a meter and contact the local electric company for connection.
The local electric company has several requirements before it will connect your meter or provide 'electricidad' to your home. The requirements to set up these basic services ('servicios básicos' or 'obras públicas') are different for residential purposes and for businesses (as are the prices). 'Electricidad' is still relatively inexpensive in Bolivia, but businesses are charged about 3 times as much as residences. You should contact the local company to ask what will be required of you in terms of paperwork or permits, but in general, you will need to show a copy of your rental contract, building permit, or even a prior water bill from the same home so the company can see the exact location, and you will also need to show your identification. There may be other requirements depending on your situation.
There is only one electric company in Cochabamba, called —-
You will be sent an “aviso de cobranza” or “pre-invoice” indicating how much you owe. You monthly bill must be paid in full each month at the local —- office, or any bank or credit union Your electricity will be cut off if you are late paying your bills more than two months in a row.
