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Electricity & gas · Portugal
Checked 2026-09-27

📦 Moving house in Portugal: what do I do about electricity and gas?

The short answer

Moving is a common moment for billing mistakes. Read the meters on both days and tell your supplier in time.

📜 The rules in Portugal

The market

The electricity market has been fully open since 2006 and all consumers can choose their supplier; gas customers can also switch. Regulated (transitional) tariffs set by ERSE still exist for both and are currently planned to run until the end of 2027.

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. Tell your supplier in advanceGive the moving date and your new address, and ask whether your contract can move with you.
  2. Read the metersTake dated photos of all meters on the day you leave and the day you arrive.
  3. Check the new homeFind out which grid operator serves the new address and whether the supply is connected.
  4. Check your final billCompare the final bill with your photos. Any credit must be refunded.

📇 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
E-REDES — Mainland Portugal (about 99.5% of customers)Runs the local grid, meters and connectionsPower cut, meter problem, new connection📞 800 506 506🔗 www.e-redes.pt
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 take my contract with me?

Often yes, within the same country. Otherwise moving usually lets you end it.

What if the supply is off at the new home?

Contact a supplier or the grid operator to have it connected.

Who pays for energy between tenants?

The person on the contract pays until the move is reported. That is why the meter reading matters.

📎 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→📈Price increase→🧾Wrong or high bill→💸Can’t pay the bill→🏚️Supplier went bust→

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