I can’t pay my energy bill in Portugal. Can they cut me off?

The short answer

A cut-off is the last step, not the first. There are rules on notice and protection, and help if your income is low.

📜 The rules in Portugal

Protection against cut-off

For unpaid bills the supplier must send written notice at least 20 days before a cut-off. Households usually get their power reduced to 1.15 kVA first (5 days' notice), and supply can be cut 20 days later. No cut-offs on Fridays, weekends, public holidays or the day before a holiday.

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

Help if money is tight

Automatic discount (about 33.8% on electricity, 31.2% on gas) for people receiving certain social benefits or, for electricity, with annual income up to 6,272.64 euro plus 50% per household member without income. DGEG identifies beneficiaries; no application needed.

Tarifa Social de Energia 🔗 dgeg.gov.pt

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

🪜 Step by step

Act before the deadlineContact the supplier as soon as you know you cannot pay and ask for a payment plan. Put it in writing.
Check the protection rulesSee below what notice the supplier must give and when a cut-off is not allowed in Portugal.
Ask for supportCheck the support scheme below and contact free debt or energy advice.
Answer every letterKeep copies. If a cut-off is announced wrongly, complain straight away to the supplier and the dispute body.

📇 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

Linha do Consumidor de Energia (ERSE)Free advice on energy costs and saving energyWhen bills are too high or you are behind on payments🔗 www.erse.pt/consumidores-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 they cut me off without warning?

No, written notice is required. The exact period for Portugal is on this page.

Is there winter protection?

Some countries have it. The rules for Portugal are shown on this page.

Does a payment plan stop a cut-off?

A payment plan you keep to generally prevents a cut-off. Get it confirmed in writing.

📎 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.

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💸 I can’t pay my energy bill in Portugal. Can they cut me off?