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rom electricity to Wi-Fi, setting up utilities in Portugal is easier than you think—let’s get started!
Portugal was ranked the seventh friendliest country in the European Union, according to Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Therefore, people have been moving to Portugal at a frequent rate.
If you are also moving to a new house in Portugal, you must know that it comes with many responsibilities, one of which is setting up utilities. While it might seem easy, there are intricacies involves in each step when setting up utilities.
This blog will discuss setting up utilities quickly and how to get them done.
Utilities in Portugal
Setting up utilities in Portugal is essential to ensure you live a comfortable life with all the necessities set up. Here’s a list you need to know for setting up utilities for new house:
- Electricity
- Gas (natural gas or LPG)
- Water
- Waste Collection
- Home Communications Include the Internet, phone, and television.
Setting Up Utilities in Portugal
Need help figuring out where to begin? Here’s a simple process that will walk you through each step of setting up utilities:
1. Gather the Required Documents
Before you start setting up utilities, you’ll need to have the following documents ready:
- Portuguese address: Setting up utilities and registrations requires a home address.
- Identification: Any form of identification will do, especially a passport when from Europe; an ID card would suffice. However, foreigners will also require their NIF (tax number).
- NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal): This is necessary for nearly all the administrative procedures in Portugal, which includes setting up utilities.
- Proof of address: This could be your lease agreement or deed of the property that you want the renters to sign.
- Portuguese phone number: This local number will help make conversation with utility providers easier.
- Bank details: Regarding funding, the Portuguese bank details are perfect, but most providers now accept European bank accounts with IBANs.
- Previous tenant’s bill (if applicable): Some providers may request the code of supply point (CPE) in the previous occupant’s electricity invoice.
2. Choosing Your Utility Providers
After you have all your essential papers in place, the next thing to do when setting up utilities is choose your service providers. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular service providers for each utility:
Electricity: The two most famous companies are EDP and Iberdrola. Some of their plans include fixed or variable rates. Most go for EDP since it is the largest electricity company in Portugal.
Gas: Companies like Galp or EDP supply natural gas and bottled LPG to homes not connects to the gas network.
Water: The source of water is the local municipal companies. Some examples of such companies are Águas do Tejo or EPAL which operates mostly in Lisbon and its surroundings, and Águas do Norte, which operates mostly in northern Portugal.
Waste Collection: Controlled by the local municipality. No particular provider is requires to set these up.
Internet, Phone, and TV. The internet, phone, and television services can provides under one package by MEO, Vodafone, and NOS.
3. Registering for Utilities
After deciding on your utility providers, the next thing is to sign up for the entities you prefer to work with. You can typically complete this via website submission, phone, or person. Here’s how you can begin setting up utilities through online registration:
Electricity and Gas: While applying for electricity or gas connections, you must submit proof of identification, NIF, proof of residence, and bank information.
For instance, when connecting to a gas line, you may be required to supply the CPE code found on the previous tenant’s bill. You can also request delivery and set up bottled LPG.
Water: When putting up water services, you will communicate with your provider online or physically by going to the office.
For this purpose, you shall be required to furnish your NIF with proof of address and, at times, your lease agreement. There are times when it will be necessary to provide a meter reading.
Home Communications (Internet, Phone, TV): These services can be combined and provided at a discounted price. If you want utilities to establish telecom services, the requirements include identification, NIF, and bank information.
Mobile communications providers, such as MEO, NOS, and Vodafone, will also ask for your address to see if they can provide services in your area.
4. Installation and Activation
Once you have registered and finished setting up utilities, your next step is to begin installation and activation of the utilities.
Electricity: As for electricity in Portugal, product activation always requires 72 business hours up to 5 business days. It is comforting to know that if there is a previous disconnect, the reconnection does not involve a technician coming to your home.
Gas: Installing natural gas takes a few days, while bottled LPG can be delivered instantly.
Water: When establishing your water account, you may be required to arrange a meter reading or wait for a notice of account activation.
Home Communications: Internet and TV installation may only require 5 to 10 days, depending on the provider and the location.
Setting Up Utilities in a New House
When moving to a new country as an expat, such as Americans moving to Portugal, one of the first practical steps is arranging utilities for your new property. In Portugal, the process can vary depending on whether you’re buying or renting a home.
Buying a Property
If you are purchasing a new property in Portugal, you will normally need to connect all utilities yourself. This includes electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications, as you’ll be the first owner and responsible for initiating all service connections.
For second-hand properties, utilities are often already active. In this case, you simply need to transfer the accounts into your name. It’s important to notify each provider so billing, communication, and responsibility are properly updated.
Renting in Portugal
When renting in Portugal, the situation can differ depending on the agreement. Some rentals include utilities in the monthly rent, but this must be clearly stated in the contract.
However, in most cases, utilities are not included, and it becomes the tenant’s responsibility. Depending on the arrangement, you may either need to transfer the existing accounts into your name or, in some situations, continue paying the bills under the landlord’s name (if both parties agree and the provider allows it).
Can I Choose My Utility Supplier?
Currently, the utility market in Portugal has undergone many reforms. As a result, there has been more competition, consumer options, and service delivery in the electricity, gas, telecommunication, and water sectors.
When setting up utilities in Portugal, it’s essential to consider the various service providers available across these sectors.
At present, the adaptability of electricity consumers was complets in 2006, which means that consumers may freely decide with whom they shall have an electricity supply.
Municipal bodies usually provide the physical water infrastructure; sometimes, consumers have no options other than their water provider. In contrast, the water market functions differently with the recently liberalized electricity and gas sectors.
As previously explained, competition in Portugal’s telecommunications market has been long-running. Telecommunications for landline and mobile phones, internet service, and other communications services allow consumers to choose their preferred carrier independently.
Costs of Setting Up Utilities in Portugal
In general, the cost of setting up utilities is relatively low in Portugal, but once again, they fluctuate based on the location of your house, consumption rate, or the type of contract you sign. Here’s a breakdown of average costs:
Electricity: The average monthly cost of electricity per household is between €50 and €100 depending on consumption and if you have a fixed or variable tariff.
Gas: Natural gas is relatively cheap for cooking and heating, costing between €20 and €60 per month. However, the cost of bottled gas may vary depending on the need for a refill.
Water: The prices for water services range from €30–€60 per month depending on the quantity of consumed water.
Waste Collection: The waste collection is generally included in municipal taxes and has no monthly tariff. However, there may be a small fee for additional waste services.
Home Communications: Internet offers from €20 up to €50 monthly, while the packages that include TV and phone cost between €40 and €70.
How Can I Pay Utility Bills in Portugal?
When it comes to paying your utilities bills in Portugal, you have several convenient options available. Here are some common payment methods:
Payment through Direct Debit
Setting up a direct debit is a popular and hassle-free way to pay your utilities bills. You can authorize your bank to automatically deduct the amount due from your account on the specified due date.
Payment at Multibanco
Multibanco is a widely used payment network in Portugal. It allows you to pay your utilities bills conveniently at ATMs, online banking platforms, or payment terminals.
Payment at Local Post Office
In some cases, you may also have the option to pay your utilities bills at the local post office (CTT – Correios de Portugal) where you can find in every small city or parish in major cities.
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How to Cancel Utilities in Portugal?
Moving out? You should cancel your existing utilities connections. No matter which part of Portugal you live in, it is easy to cancel utilities. However, there are a few essential steps to be followed properly:
Step 1- Notify Your Providers in Advance
First, notify your utility companies that are providing you with the services and ask them to stop the service 30 days before you move out. This is sufficient time to attend to any last-form billing that may be required.
You can write your utility providers at:
- Phone (try to call their customer service).
- Website (Many utilities will accept cancellation through changes made online or through an email).
- In-person (Some providers may need one to visit their physical office).
Step 2 – Provide a Final Meter Reading
In electricity, gas, and water services, you must provide the meter reading to allow the companies to bill you accurately. Make the last reading on the day of check-out or one day before the day you want to cancel.
The meter reading may be provided online, by phone, or physically at the provider’s discretion. Also, the meter reading should be taken occasionally to avoid unexpected situations when the measurements are disputed.
Step 3 – Settle Any Outstanding Balances
Your utility provider will then come up with the final bill after you have provided your last meter reading. Make sure all your expenses are cleared before you exit your property.
Your provider may send the bill to a collections agency or apply penalties if any balance is outstanding. Some utility firms will repay or give you any credit balance you overpaid.
Step 4 – Return Equipment (If Applicable)
For telecom services, the rental might involve an internet connection, TV, or phone; gas services could be invoked for cylinders, etc.
- Internet/TV: If you took any equipment for rent, such as a TV or TV box router, return it to the provider. This is usually a condition for contract termination.
- Gas Cylinders: If you’re using bottled LPG, see that you return the cylinders to the provider or nearest collection center.
Step 5 – Get Confirmation of Cancellation
Before discontinuing the utility service physically, financial obligations must be cleared by paying the utility company any balance remaining on your bill.
- Get an email confirmation or a formal letter from the provider to indicate that the contract has been canceled and that they have given you the final amount to pay.
- Make sure to save the confirmation of cancellation for your database or records as well. This can be beneficial if, for instance, there are disputes or if, in the future, there are questions that need to be answered.
Step 6 – Check for Additional Penalties or Fees
Most utility providers may incur cancellation fees, especially if you are still under contract. The best thing to do is look at your original utility documents to see the terms for early cancellation.
However, if you cancel before the end of a contract period, you will be charged extra, such as the cancellation fees. Some providers may exempt you from these charges, for instance, if you transfer to a new home within the service region.
Step 7 – Cancel Automatic Payments or Direct Debits
If you have authorized authorities to withdraw utility bill payments through an automated manner, make sure you disable them after contract cancellation. This will ensure that your accounts are not drained repeatedly by these payments.
Check your bank account and see if your bill has changed after you cancel the subscription. If needed, notify your bank that you have canceled the utility services and automatically stopped any payment.
Step 8 – Keep Your Contact Information Updated
If you are changing your residence or even provider, it is also essential that the utility companies provide you with your new contact details. This will guarantee that they can reach you in case of any problems regarding the final bill or your account.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are utilities included in rent in Portugal?
Utilities are typically not included in your monthly rental costs. You will normally pay for electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications. However, some landlords may already have an agreement with a service provider.
How to pay for water in Portugal for Setting up Utilities?
Water bills in Portugal are generally paid on a bi-monthly basis. When setting up utilities for your home, you can choose from several payment methods, including direct debit or payments via Multibanco ATMs.
How to pay an electricity bill in Portugal on Setting up Utilities?
When setting up electricity services with providers like EDP, you can pay your bills via direct debit from your Portuguese bank account or any other account within the SEPA system.
Do I need heating in Portugal?
Portugal generally has mild winters, especially in the southern regions. While central heating systems are less common in Portuguese homes compared to colder climates, many houses and apartments are equipped with individual heating solutions like electric heaters, fireplaces, or heat pumps.
What part of Portugal is the cheapest to buy a house?
If you’re looking to buy property, the cheapest areas to purchase a house are Gavião and Nisa in the district of Portalegre and Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo in Guarda. These towns are known for their lower property prices, according to a study from Idealista.
Who is the cheapest energy supplier in Setting up Utilities?
Iberdrola’s Casa plan is Portugal’s cheapest energy provider for electricity tariffs. Other competitive suppliers, including EDP, Endesa, and Goldenergy, offer closely priced electricity options.
Do I need to be at the property when the utilities are set up?
In most cases, you will not need to be physically present at the property during the process of setting up utilities. However, some providers may require access to the property for installation or setup.
How soon should I contact utility providers?
It’s advisable to contact the utility and home communication providers at least a few weeks before your move-in date. This will allow enough time to set up utilities, process applications, schedule installations, and complete necessary paperwork.
Can I freely choose my utility supplier?
Yes. For electricity and gas, you can choose your provider. Water is the only utility managed by the local municipality, so you can’t select a different supplier.
Do I need heating in Portugal?
While Portugal generally has mild winters, especially in the southern regions, it’s still wise to consider heating when setting up utilities in your home.
Should I consider installing air conditioning for the summer season?
Yes, especially if you plan to live in hotter regions like the Algarve or Alentejo, where summers can get quite warm. Setting up utilities with air conditioning can significantly improve your comfort during these months.
Can I Setting up Utilities online or over the phone?
Yes, many utility providers in Portugal offer the convenience of setting up utilities online or over the phone. This process is quick and easy, allowing you to arrange services from the comfort of your home.
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