# Utilities in Portugal 2026: Set Up in Your Name [Steps]

Set up utilities in Portugal: electricity, gas and water in your name. Learn the 20-digit CPE code, 6.9 kVA limit and free switching in 3 weeks.

Canonical: https://unlockportugal.co/daily-life/setting-up-utilities-portugal/
Updated: 2026-10-28T00:00:00.000Z
Language: en

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## What do you need to set up utilities in Portugal?

You need a NIF, a document proving you may occupy the home, and the codes of the existing installations. Electricity and gas go through a retail supplier you choose. Water goes through the local operator, and internet is its own topic.

Get your [NIF](https://unlockportugal.co/finance/how-to-get-nif-portugal/) first, because every contract below asks for it. A Portuguese bank account helps with direct debit, and the [bank account guide](https://unlockportugal.co/finance/open-bank-account-portugal/) covers that. The [renting guide](https://unlockportugal.co/daily-life/renting-an-apartment-in-portugal/) budgets what these bills cost. This page covers how to open the accounts.

|  | Electricity | Natural gas | Bottled gas | Water |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Who you contract with | Retail supplier of your choice | Retail supplier of your choice | Not a network contract | Municipal or regional water operator |
| Code that identifies the home | CPE | CUI | None | Customer code from the operator |
| Who owns the network | Distribution operator (for example E-REDES) | Distribution operator (Floene is one) | Not applicable | The operator itself |
| Free to switch supplier | Yes | Yes | Not applicable | No choice of operator |

Utility bills in your name are commonly used as proof of address, for example by banks. Whoever asks decides what they accept, so check their list.

## How does electricity work in Portugal?

Two companies sit behind one bill. A retail supplier (_comercializador_) sells you the energy and sends the bill. A distribution operator owns the grid and the meter. In ERSE’s description, the supplier buys the electricity and pays for use of the networks, and you receive a single bill.

Network access costs the same whichever supplier you pick. Technical quality of supply does not depend on the supplier either, while commercial service quality can differ. So price and contract conditions are what to compare.

The home itself is identified by the _Código de Ponto de Entrega_ (CPE, delivery point code). It has 20 digits, starts with PT, and is assigned by the distribution operator. It is on the contract and every bill. ERSE calls it the “citizen card number” of the installation. It stays the same when the supplier or the account holder changes.

## How do you open an electricity contract in your name?

Choose a supplier, give them the home’s CPE and your NIF, and sign the contract. The supplier arranges the rest with the grid operator. ERSE’s summary of the switching process says the supplier is your point of contact and does all the necessary work.

Step by step:

1.  Check whether the home already has a connection. If the previous tenant had power, the meter and wiring exist. ERSE says to check for connection elements (wires, poles, space for the meter). If none exist, you request a quote from the distribution operator for a new connection, and the installation must be prepared and certified first.
2.  Find the CPE. Ask the landlord for a recent electricity bill, where it is printed.
3.  Compare offers. ERSE runs a price simulator for mainland electricity up to 41.4 kVA and for gas up to 10,000 m3 a year. Enter your expected consumption from a past bill if you have one.
4.  Sign with the supplier. In the free market, conditions are agreed between you and the supplier. Ask for the standardised contract sheet (_ficha contratual padronizada_), which ERSE approved to summarise the main points.
5.  Set the contracted power (see the next section).
6.  Keep the first bill. Check that the CPE, address, power and tariff match what you signed.

## What contracted power (kVA) should you choose?

Start with the lowest power that keeps the breaker from tripping, because you pay for it every day. The _potência contratada_ is a fixed charge billed by the number of days on the bill, regardless of how much energy you use. A higher power raises the price.

ERSE’s rule of thumb is that at 6.9 kVA or below you can save between €20 and €30 a year (approx. $23 to $35) for each power step you can lower. That figure comes from an ERSE leaflet dated October 2022, so treat it as an order of magnitude.

The steps on ERSE’s VAT table run 1.15, 2.3, 3.45, 4.6, 5.75 and 6.9 kVA, then 10.35 kVA and above. Ask your supplier how a change of power is handled before you sign, and use the ERSE simulator to see the price effect of each step with the same consumption.

Power also matters for two benefits. The social tariff applies only up to 6.9 kVA. The reduced VAT rate on energy applies only up to 6.9 kVA as well.

## Regulated or free market: which tariff should you take?

Most households are on the free market, where suppliers set their own prices, and signing with a retail supplier puts you there. The regulated market still exists as an option. ERSE’s January 2026 report counts about 5.73 million residential customers in the free market and about 0.80 million in the regulated market, 87.8% of residential customers on the free side.

Regulated customers are supplied by a last-resort supplier (_comercializador de último recurso_, CUR), at prices ERSE sets. ERSE says customers on a free-market contract can ask their supplier for a price scheme equivalent to the regulated one. If the supplier does not offer it, they can go back to the regulated market. Rules for the regulated tariffs have been changing, so check the current terms on ERSE before you choose.

What to compare, according to ERSE: contract length, renewal and cancellation terms, whether cancelling carries a charge, service levels, payment methods, and compensation if the supplier fails. Watch promotional discounts that expire.

## Is switching supplier free?

Yes. ERSE lists the principles: changing supplier is free, there is no limit on the number of changes, and it must complete within 3 weeks. The switch is run by the logistics operator for supplier changes, currently Adene, and your new supplier is your contact.

Other points from ERSE:

-   You give the new supplier the CPE (or the CUI for gas), and the NIF.
-   The meter does not need to change unless you ask.
-   The old supplier must send a final settlement bill within 6 weeks of the switch.
-   You may get two bills for an overlapping period. Complain to both suppliers, and ERSE can step in if the answers conflict.
-   If your current contract has a loyalty period (_fidelização_), ERSE says you may have to pay the penalty written into it.

## Who qualifies for the social electricity tariff?

The social tariff is a discount for low-income households, and it is granted automatically when you qualify. DGEG gives the conditions: a contract in your name, for domestic use in a permanent dwelling, with contracted power at or below 6.9 kVA.

You must also either receive a listed social benefit (for example the _complemento solidário para idosos_, _rendimento social de inserção_, unemployment benefit, _abono de família_ or a social pension), or live in a household with annual income at or below €6,272.64 (approx. $7,280). That limit rises by 50% for each household member with no income, up to 10 people. The figures are DGEG’s, on the page read for this article.

DGEG cross-checks tax and social security records, and the retailer then applies the discount without you applying. Anyone not picked up can ask Social Security or the tax authority for a proof of status and hand it to the retailer. ERSE adds that every retailer must apply the social tariff, which is another reason to have the contract in your name.

## How do you set up natural gas, and what about bottled gas?

Natural gas works like electricity, with a different code. The gas code is the _Código Universal de Instalação_ (CUI), also 20 digits starting with PT. Floene says to look for it on the retailer’s bill or on the plate next to the meter.

To get piped gas, four things must be in place, per Floene: the distribution network reaches the building, an indoor installation exists, you have a supply contract with a retailer, and a technician installs the meter. If the network does not reach you, the request is a new connection with the network operator.

Bottled gas has no CUI and no network contract. You buy cylinders as needed. Households that qualify can get help through the _Botija de Gás Solidária_ scheme: DGEG says it is worth €15 per cylinder (approx. $17), temporarily €25 (approx. $29) until 31 December 2026, with up to two cylinders per month and 12 a year. It is paid at participating parish councils after eligibility is checked. Beneficiaries of the electricity social tariff are among those who qualify.

## How do you get a water contract?

Contact the local water operator for the address, since there is no supplier to compare. In Lisbon city, that is EPAL. EPAL supplies only the city of Lisbon, and other areas have their own operator, such as municipal services (SMAS) or a regional company.

EPAL’s page lists these documents: ID (citizen card, passport or driving licence), your _cartão de contribuinte_ (tax number card), proof you are the legitimate occupant of the property such as a lease or deed, and a meter reading, preferably as a photo. You can apply on the website, by phone, by letter, or in a shop. EPAL then confirms your details, may schedule a technician visit, and posts the contract, which you sign and return with proof of occupancy. A direct debit authorisation is separate.

On deposits, EPAL states it has never required a _caução_. Other operators have their own rules, so ask.

Read the first bill (_fatura_) closely against the tariff the operator quoted you.

## What are meter readings, and why do estimated bills happen?

A reading (_leitura_) is the number on the meter. When no real reading is available, the supplier bills an estimate. ERSE notes that real readings take priority over estimates, so a catch-up reading corrects earlier guesses.

For electricity, E-REDES lets you report a reading through its online counter, its app, a free line on 800 507 507 (open 24 hours a day), or through your supplier. The best date appears on your bill. With a smart meter, ERSE says readings are collected remotely every day, and sending your own is usually unnecessary.

For water, EPAL reads meters every two months. Without a reading it estimates from your past real consumption and corrects the difference after the next real one. EPAL also takes readings by its app, by phone, or by emailed photo with your customer code.

## What do you do when you move out?

Take a photo of every meter on the last day and cancel or hand over each account. Contracts stay open until closed, so stopping payment does not end them.

-   Water: EPAL asks for 3 days’ notice with your customer code, the date, the address, the reading and an address for the last bill. Águas do Porto closes a contract only after a visit to take the final reading, seal the meter and shut off the water. If the operator cannot get to the meter, the contract stays active and bills continue.
-   Electricity and gas: tell your supplier the move-out date and give the final reading. If you are switching supplier instead, the old supplier must send the final bill within 6 weeks of the switch.
-   Deposits: if you paid any, ask in writing for it back with the final reading.

## Should the contracts be in your name or the landlord’s?

In your own name, in most cases. A bill in your name is documentary proof you live there, and the social tariff requires a contract in your name. It also gives you the right to switch supplier and set the power.

Landlords differ. Some keep the accounts and pass the cost on in the rent or as a separate payment. Others expect the tenant to open every account on day one. Settle it before signing the lease, and put it in writing. The [renting guide](https://unlockportugal.co/daily-life/renting-an-apartment-in-portugal/) and the page on [renting without a guarantor](https://unlockportugal.co/daily-life/rent-without-guarantor-portugal/) cover what landlords usually ask for. If the landlord holds the contracts, you still need the meter readings at move-in and move-out so you pay only for your own use.

## What about internet and phone?

Internet is a retail contract with a provider, usually with a fixed term, and it needs your NIF and address. Our [internet providers guide](https://unlockportugal.co/daily-life/best-internet-providers-portugal/) compares them, and the [cost of living guide](https://unlockportugal.co/finance/cost-of-living-portugal-expats/) shows where utilities sit in a monthly budget.

## Quick facts

Electricity code

CPE, 20 digits, starts with PT, printed on the bill

Gas code

CUI, 20 digits, starts with PT

Switching supplier

Free, no limit on changes, up to 3 weeks

Social tariff limit

Contract in your name, up to 6.9 kVA

Reduced VAT on power

6% on the first 200 kWh per 30 days, up to 6.9 kVA

Water

Contract with the local operator, not a free-market supplier

## Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner open an electricity contract in Portugal?

Yes. ERSE says every consumer on the mainland can choose a supplier freely. The supplier will ask for the CPE of the home, which is on the previous bill or obtainable from the grid operator, plus your NIF. A NIF is the practical requirement, so get one before you start.

What is a CPE code and where do I find it?

The CPE (Código de Ponto de Entrega) is the 20-digit code, starting with PT, that identifies a home's electrical installation. It is assigned by the distribution operator and appears on the contract and the electricity bill. It stays the same whatever supplier you use.

Is it free to change electricity supplier in Portugal?

Yes. ERSE states that changing supplier is free for the consumer, there is no limit on the number of changes, and it must happen within 3 weeks. Your new supplier handles the process. Check your current contract for any loyalty period, which can carry a penalty.

Do I need a deposit for a water contract in Portugal?

It depends on the operator. EPAL, which supplies the city of Lisbon, states it has never required a deposit (caução) from customers. Other municipal operators set their own rules, so ask for the written conditions when you apply instead of assuming.

Can I use my utility bills as proof of address?

Utility bills in your name are commonly accepted as proof of address, for example when opening a bank account. Acceptance is decided by whoever asks, such as a bank or an office, so check their list of accepted documents first. Having the electricity, gas or water contract in your own name is what makes the bill usable for this purpose.

What happens to the utilities when I move out?

Give the final meter reading and cancel or transfer each contract. Water operators such as Águas do Porto close a contract only after a visit to read, seal the meter and shut off the water. Without access to the meter the contract stays active and keeps billing you.

## Sources

This guide cites the following official sources. We link directly so you can verify every claim yourself.

-   [ERSE](https://www.erse.pt/media/urvnsopt/erseforma_mudan%C3%A7acom_2023.pdf)erse.pt
-   [ERSE](https://www.erse.pt/media/4t3a02p0/202601_ele_rel_ml.pdf)erse.pt
-   [ERSE](https://www.erse.pt/consumidores-de-energia/eletricidade/ligar-se-a-rede-de-eletricidade)erse.pt
-   [ERSE](https://www.erse.pt/media/tcsfm4n2/ersexplica_iva-fatura_2025.pdf)erse.pt
-   [ERSE](https://www.erse.pt/media/xw2jhkon/perguntas-respostas_potencia-contratada.pdf)erse.pt
-   [ERSE](https://www.erse.pt/media/iwopkpgc/erseforma_medi%C3%A7%C3%A3o-e-fatura%C3%A7%C3%A3o_julho2024.pdf)erse.pt
-   [E Redes](https://www.e-redes.pt/en/node/27106)e-redes.pt
-   [Dgeg](https://www.dgeg.gov.pt/pt/areas-transversais/politicas-de-protecao-ao-consumidor-de-energia/tarifa-social-de-energia/quais-as-condicoes-de-atribuicao-da-tarifa-social-de-energia/)dgeg.gov.pt
-   [Dgeg](https://www.dgeg.gov.pt/pt/areas-transversais/politicas-de-protecao-ao-consumidor-de-energia/tarifa-social-de-energia/como-e-atribuida-a-tarifa-social-de-energia/)dgeg.gov.pt
-   [Dgeg](https://www.dgeg.gov.pt/pt/areas-transversais/politicas-de-protecao-ao-consumidor-de-energia/apoio-aos-beneficiarios-de-tarifa-social-de-energia-eletrica/botija-de-gas-solidaria/)dgeg.gov.pt
-   [Portal](https://portal.floene.pt/pt-pt/Particulares/Aderir-ao-G%C3%A1s-Natural/Quero-g%C3%A1s-natural)portal.floene.pt
-   [Epal](https://www.epal.pt/EPAL/menu/clientes/contrato-de-abastecimento-de-%C3%A1gua)epal.pt
-   [Epal](https://www.epal.pt/EPAL/menu/clientes/faq/servi%C3%A7o-a-cliente)epal.pt
-   [Aguasdoporto](https://aguasdoporto.pt/contrato/rescisao-contratual)aguasdoporto.pt

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![Photo of Larissa Miranda](https://unlockportugal.co/_astro/larissa-miranda.C89EgK8m_ZIuImL.webp)

Written by

[Larissa Miranda](https://unlockportugal.co/author/larissa-miranda/)

Writer & editor

Larissa Miranda is a writer and editor at Unlock Portugal.

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