Utilities in Portugal for Expats

Understanding the Portuguese utilities market

• Liberalization and Consumer Choice:
  • Portugal has undergone significant market liberalization recently, particularly in the electricity and gas sectors. This means consumers are empowered to choose their suppliers, fostering competition and potentially leading to better prices and services.
• Key Utility Sectors: Electricity, Water, Gas, and telecommunications.
  • Electricity: The electricity market is fully liberalized, allowing consumers to choose their supplier.
  • Water: Water supply is typically managed by municipal entities, and consumer choice is often limited.
  • Gas: The gas market is also liberalized, offering consumers a choice of suppliers.
  • Telecommunications: The telecommunications market has a long history of competition, with consumers having the freedom to choose their provider for internet, TV, mobile, and phone services.

Cost of utilities in Portugal: an overview

The monthly cost of utilities in Portugal can vary depending on factors such as the size of your property, your consumption habits, and your chosen providers. As a general guideline, expect to pay:

• Electricity, Heating, Water: €110–€120 per month for a basic 85 m² apartment.
• Home Communications (Internet, TV, Phone): Starting at €29.49 per month with a 24-month agreement.

Setting up utilities in Portugal as an Expat

• Buying vs. Renting:
  • Buying: If you're buying a property, you'll likely need to connect all utilities yourself. For secondhand properties, you may need to transfer ownership of existing utility accounts.
  • Rent: Your rental agreement may include utilities. If not, you'll be responsible for connecting and paying for them separately.
• Required Documentation:
  • Identification (passport or ID card)
  • Fiscal Number (NIF)
  • Proof of Address (Rental Agreement or Utility Bill)
  • Portuguese Bank Account Details (for direct debit payments)

How to set up your utilities in Portugal?

• Electricity:
  1. Choose an electricity supplier (EDP, Galp Energia, Endesa, Iberdrola, Goldenergy, etc.).
     • When choosing a supplier, consider tariffs (fixed vs. variable), contract length, green energy options, customer service reviews, and any available discounts.
  2. Gather required documentation.
  3. Contact the chosen supplier to initiate the connection process.
  4. Schedule an installation appointment (if necessary).
  5. Learn how to read your electricity meter and submit readings online or by phone if required by your supplier.
• Water:
  1. Identify the water supplier for your municipality (e.g., Águas de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo, Águas do Porto).
  2. Prepare required documents.
  3. Contact the water supplier to request a connection or transfer of ownership.
• Gas:
  1. Choose a gas supplier (similar to electricity suppliers).
     • Consider whether you need gas for heating, cooking, or hot water. Many new homes are designed without gas connections.
  2. Gather required documentation.
  3. Contact the chosen supplier to initiate the connection process.
  4. Schedule a gas inspection to ensure safety and compliance.
• Internet, TV, Mobile, and Phone:
  1. Research and compare different providers (MEO, NOS, Vodafone, NOWO).
     • Consider internet speed, TV channel packages, mobile data allowances, and contract length.
  2. Check documentation requirements.
  3. Contact the chosen provider and inquire about current offers.

Who are the key providers of utilities in Portugal?

• Electricity:
  • EDP (Energias de Portugal)
  • Galp Energia
  • Endesa
  • Iberdrola
  • Goldenergy
• Water:
  • Águas de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (Lisbon area)
  • Águas do Porto (Porto area)

⚠️ Water suppliers vary by municipality.

• Gas:
  • (Gas suppliers are generally the same as electricity suppliers.)
• Telecommunications:
  • MEO
  • NOS
  • Vodafone
  • NOWO

Prices of utilities in Portugal vs. European averages

• Electricity: Portugal has relatively low electricity prices compared to other Southern European countries, often below the EU average.
• Water: Tap water prices in Lisbon are among the highest in Southern Europe.
• Gas: Portugal has relatively low natural gas prices compared to other Southern European countries, often below the EU average.

Paying your utility bills in Portugal

• Direct Debit: Authorize automatic payments from your bank account.
• Multibanco: Pay at ATMs, online banking platforms, or payment terminals.
• Local Post Office (CTT): Pay in person at the post office.

Waste management and recycling in Portugal?

• Portugal utilizes a color-coded recycling system (ecopontos).
• Proper waste separation is essential (blue for paper, yellow for plastic/metal, and green for glass).
• Municipalities are responsible for waste collection and disposal.

How to complain about providers in Portugal?

1. Contact the utility provider directly.
2. Keep records of all communication.
3. If the issue remains unresolved, contact the relevant regulatory authority.
   • Energy Services Regulatory Authority (ERSE) for electricity and gas.
   • Águas de Portugal or Loja do Cidadão for water supply.
   • ANACOM for telecommunications.

Consumer protection and regulatory bodies

• DECO (Portuguese Association for Consumer Protection): Provides information, advice, and representation to consumers.
• Ombudsman: An independent authority that investigates complaints against public and private entities.

What about temporarily close of your utilities in Portugal?

Occasionally, the water or electricity supply may be temporarily shut off for maintenance or repairs.

Your utility provider should notify you in advance of any planned outages. You can also check their website or social media pages for updates. Keep a supply of bottled water on hand in case of a water outage.

⚠️ The information may come through TV or radio, and for non-Portuguese speaker, it may not be noticed.

Expat insights and recommendations

• "Shop Around for the Best Deals": "Don't just stick with the first utility provider you find," advises M., an expat in Lisbon. "Compare prices and services from different companies to find the best deal for your needs."
• "Set Up Direct Debit": "Paying your bills by direct debit is the easiest way to avoid late fees and ensure timely payments," recommends J., an expat in Porto.
• "Keep Your NIF Handy": "You'll need your NIF for just about everything when setting up utilities," says S., an expat in the Algarve. "Make sure you have it readily available."
• "Read the Contract Carefully": "Before signing up for any utility service, read the contract carefully, paying attention to the fine print," advises E., an expat in Cascais. "Be aware of any cancellation fees or hidden charges."
• "Take Photos of Your Meter Readings": "When you move into a new property, take photos of your meter readings as proof of your initial consumption," recommends D., an expat in Coimbra. "This can help avoid disputes with your utility providers later on."
• "Consider Bundling Services": "Bundling your internet, TV, and mobile phone services with one provider can often save you money," says M., an expat in Setúbal.
• "Check for Green Energy Options": "If you're environmentally conscious, look for electricity suppliers that offer green energy options," suggests L., an expat in Évora.

Useful resources for Expats in Portugal

• Energy Services Regulatory Authority (ERSE)
• Águas de Portugal
• ANACOM
• DECO (Portuguese Association for Consumer Protection)
• Your Local Câmara Municipal (City Hall)
• Online Forums for Expats in Portugal