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Electricity & gas · Portugal
Checked 2026-09-27

📈 My energy supplier is raising prices in Portugal. What can I do?

The short answer

A supplier cannot raise your price overnight. It has to warn you in advance, and that notice often gives you the right to leave.

📜 The rules in Portugal

Price rises

Your supplier must tell you about contract changes at least 30 days in advance and inform you of your right to end the contract without penalty. A price rise must be announced before the billing period in which it applies.

Official source: erse.pt · Checked 2026-09-27

Switching supplier

You can switch at any time: just sign with the new supplier, who handles everything. Switching is free, supply is never cut during the process, and it must be completed within three weeks. A loyalty period (max. 12 months) may mean an early-exit penalty.

Official source: erse.pt · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

  1. Read the letterNote the new price, the date it starts, and whether your contract has a fixed price until a certain date.
  2. Check if it is allowedA fixed price normally cannot be raised before its end date. Compare the notice you got with the rules for Portugal below.
  3. Compare and decideCheck whether another offer is cheaper. If you leave because of the increase, do it before the new price applies.
  4. Complain if the rules were brokenIf you were not informed properly, complain in writing to the supplier, then to the dispute body below.

📇 Who to contact

Simulador de Preços de Energia (ERSE) officialCompare electricity and gas offersBefore you switch, or when your price goes up🔗 simuladorprecos.erse.pt
Centros de Arbitragem de Conflitos de Consumo (RNCAI)Settles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint🔗 www.erse.pt/centros-de-arbitragem
ERSE - Entidade Reguladora dos Serviços EnergéticosSupervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 213 033 200🔗 www.erse.pt/consumidores-de-energia

❓ Questions

Can a fixed price be raised?

Normally not during the fixed period, unless your contract says so. Taxes and levies can still change.

Do I pay an exit fee if I leave after a price rise?

In many countries you can leave without a fee when the price goes up. The rules for Portugal are on this page.

What if I missed the letter?

Ask the supplier for a copy and the date it was sent. If they cannot show proper notice, complain.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

🔄Switching supplier→🧾Wrong or high bill→💸Can’t pay the bill→🏚️Supplier went bust→📣Complaint about a supplier→

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