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Electricity & gas · Portugal
Checked 2026-09-30

🩺 I depend on medical equipment or I am vulnerable: is there extra protection in Portugal?

The short answer

People who rely on electrically powered medical equipment, older people and people on a low income often get extra protection. You usually have to register or tell your supplier and grid operator.

📜 The rules in Portugal

Vulnerable and medical customers

If your survival or mobility depends on electrically powered equipment, you can register as a priority customer (cliente prioritário); people with visual, hearing or speech impairments can register as customers with special needs. Apply through your supplier.

  • The grid operator must inform priority customers individually, directly or through their supplier, of planned supply interruptions. You should still have a backup or emergency power solution suited to your situation. (e-redes.pt)
  • According to the Government, Decreto-Lei 130/2026 bans cut-offs while a billing complaint is pending, requires payment plans after 60 days of arrears taking each customer's economic situation into account, and restricts cut-offs for vulnerable consumers in winter and summer peaks. (portugal.gov.pt)
Official source: e-redes.pt · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

  1. Check who counts as vulnerableSee below who is protected in Portugal and what the protection covers.
  2. Register or inform your supplierAsk your supplier and grid operator how to register. A doctor's certificate may be needed.
  3. Plan for a power cutProtection against cut-offs for debt does not stop faults. Keep a backup plan for your equipment.
  4. Keep your details up to dateTell your supplier when your situation changes, and renew any certificate in time.

📇 Who to contact

Tarifa Social de EnergiaDiscount or support scheme for energy costsIf you have a low income or receive benefits🔗 www.dgeg.gov.pt/pt/areas-transversais/politicas-de-protecao-ao-consumidor-de-energia/tarifa-social-de-energia
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 I be cut off for debt if I am registered?

Many countries forbid or limit cut-offs for protected customers. The rules for Portugal are on this page.

Will I be warned before planned works?

Registered customers are often told about planned interruptions in advance. Ask your grid operator.

Is there help with the costs?

Many countries have a social tariff or support scheme. Ask your supplier and your municipality.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-30

🧭 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

💸Can’t pay the bill→🤝Help with energy costs→🔌Power cut→🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→

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