Can I switch electricity, gas or telecom provider?
Yes: you can switch freely — energy is free, telecoms may carry a charge inside the loyalty period. For energy (ERSE), switching electricity/gas is free and unlimited (~3 weeks); just sign with the new supplier. For telecoms, the loyalty period is capped at 24 months (Law 16/2022), and operators must also offer a no-loyalty option. If you leave early, the charge is proportional and capped (usually 50% of remaining monthlies in year 1, 30% in year 2). Number portability is free and done in 1 working day. There are also 14 days of withdrawal on distance contracts. In short: yes, energy free and telecoms with a capped charge.
📋 The rules
- Energy: switching is free and unlimited (~3 weeks)
- Telecoms: loyalty period max 24 months
- Operators offer a no-loyalty option
- Leaving early: proportional, capped charge
- Number portability: free, in 1 working day
🔓 Exceptions
- Portability doesn't erase unpaid bills or legitimate charges
- Prepaid balance refund: cost capped at €1/operation
- In-store contracts: no 14-day right
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There's no "fine" for the consumer — there are rights and caps on charges. For energy, switching is free. For telecoms, leaving before the loyalty period ends (max 24 months) means a proportional, capped charge tied to the unrecovered benefit — usually 50% of remaining monthlies in year 1 and 30% in year 2. Beware a myth: "you must pay all remaining monthlies to leave" is false — the charge is capped (Law 16/2022). And don't import Brazil's ANATEL rules. To switch: for energy, just sign with the new supplier; for telecoms, request portability (free, 1 working day), check the loyalty end, and if there's a charge, demand the proportional, capped calculation.
📎 Official sources
- ERSE — switching supplier →
- Law 16/2022 — electronic communications →
- ANACOM — loyalty and portability →
❓ Frequently asked
Does switching energy provider cost anything?
No. Switching electricity or gas provider is free and can be done as often as you like, taking about three weeks. You just sign with the new supplier, who handles the change. You can compare offers on the ERSE simulator to choose the best option.
What's the loyalty-period limit in telecoms?
The loyalty period is capped at 24 months, under Law 16/2022. In addition, operators must also offer a no-loyalty option, usually pricier. The loyalty period can't exceed 24 months, even if several services or devices are contracted.
What do I pay if I leave before the loyalty period ends?
The early-exit charge is proportional and capped at the benefit you received and haven't yet recovered. As a rule, it's 50% of the remaining monthlies in the first year and 30% in the second. It's a myth that you must pay all the remaining monthlies to leave.
Can I keep my phone number?
Yes. Number portability is free and must be done within one working day of the agreed change date, ensuring you keep your number when changing operator. If the deadline isn't met, you may be entitled to compensation. Unpaid bills don't prevent portability.
Do I have a right to withdraw from the contract?
Yes, for contracts made at a distance or off-premises, you have 14 calendar days to withdraw, under the right of withdrawal. Contracts made in person, in a store, as a rule don't carry this 14-day right, with exit handled by the loyalty rules.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “switch energy provider free”
- “loyalty period max 24 months”
- “early exit charge loyalty”
- “number portability mobile”
- “switch telecom operator”
- “law 16/2022 loyalty”