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Electricity & gas · Portugal
Checked 2026-09-27

🔄 How do I switch electricity or gas supplier in Portugal?

The short answer

Your supply does not stop when you switch: the cables, pipes and meter stay the same. Only the company that sends the bill changes.

📜 The rules in Portugal

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

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

Cooling-off period

You can cancel a contract made at a distance (phone, internet) or away from the supplier's premises within 14 days, at no cost and without giving a reason. If it was signed in your home, you have 30 days.

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

🪜 Step by step

  1. Get your details readyTake your latest bill: meter point number, yearly use, and the end date and notice period of your contract.
  2. Compare offersUse the price comparison below and look at the total yearly cost, not only the price per kWh. Check how long the price is fixed.
  3. Sign with the new supplierIn most countries the new supplier arranges the switch, including notice to the old one. Keep the confirmation.
  4. Check the final billRead your meter on the switch date and compare it with the old supplier’s final bill. Any credit must be paid back.

📇 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
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
DECO - Associação Portuguesa para a Defesa do ConsumidorIndependent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.deco.proteste.pt

❓ Questions

Will I be without power when I switch?

No. The physical supply continues; only the contract changes.

Can my old supplier charge an exit fee?

That depends on your contract and on the rules in Portugal shown on this page. Fees usually only apply to fixed-term, fixed-price contracts.

Can I cancel a new contract?

Contracts made at the door, by phone or online usually have a cooling-off period. The rules for Portugal are on this page.

📎 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

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

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