Utilities in Portugal: What’s Available and How Much Does it Cost

Whether renting an apartment in Portugal or buying a new house, you’ll need to connect various utilities to the property. Electricity, water, and sewage removal are all necessary for healthy living and keeping the environment clean.

In this article, we’ll take a look at all the utilities in Portugal, how they are billed, and who the leading suppliers are. You’ll also find out more about:

• Availability of utilities in Portugal
• Average cost of utilities in Portugal
• How to pay energy suppliers

Availability of Utilities in Portugal

In Portugal, access to essential utilities is nearly universal. Urban and suburban areas enjoy comprehensive coverage for electricity, water and sewerage, natural gas pipelines, and high-speed internet.

Even remote rural communities are increasingly linked via LPG deliveries, satellite broadband, and decentralized water systems.

So, whether you found the perfect village house for your retirement on the Portugal D7 Visa or want to invest in a business through the Portugal D2 Visa, you’ll never be far away from accessing basic utilities.

Electricity supply

Electricity in Portugal is widely available and increasingly green. Redes Energeticas Nacionais (REN) oversees power transmission and supplies the national grid with electricity.

There are two kinds of electricity supply in Portugal, each with its own average price: the regulated market and the liberalized market.

The regulated market prioritizes price stability under a state-set tariff with minimal flexibility, whereas the liberalized market allows consumers to choose the electricity supplier they want.

In terms of generation, the country uses a mix of traditional plants and renewable generation. Hydropower remains the single largest contributor, supplying around 28 percent of national demand in 2024.

For example, the Gouvães Dam on the Torno produces 880 megawatts, while the Alqueva Dam on the Guadiana produces 518 megawatts.

Additionally, onshore wind delivered roughly 27 percent of Portugal’s electricity through over 267 parks and nearly 2,836 turbines, producing 5.7 gigawatts of power annually.

Water and sewage

As with electricity, water and sewerage services are widely available. Nearly 100 percent of urban households and over 90 percent of rural residents are connected to municipal water networks managed by regional subsidiaries of Águas de Portugal (AdP) or by private concessionaires.

Local “Águas de” companies handle supply and treatment, while smaller operators serve some inland municipalities. The national regulator, Redes Energeticas Nacionai (Entidade Reguladora dos Serviços de Águas e Resíduos), sets drinking-water quality, pressure, and continuity standards under EU directives.

Sewerage networks transport effluent to wastewater treatment plants that comply with stringent discharge standards.

Secondary and tertiary treatment (including nutrient removal) is now standard in municipalities above 2,000 inhabitants. Sludge is safely handled or recycled as agricultural biosolids, and many treatment plants even use biogas for on-site energy.

Waste and recycling

Municipalities in Portugal typically provide a curbside collection service with color-coded bins for at-home sorting: general waste (dark grey or black), packaging (yellow), paper/cardboard (blue), and, increasingly, organic or green waste (brown or green).

Dotted around the country, you’ll also find large green bins that are used for any waste that can’t be sorted or recycled. Municipalities empty these general waste bins about twice a week, depending on the local population.

Glass is often collected via public “eco points” dotted around neighborhoods. Most councils bill waste collection as a fixed monthly or quarterly fee—sometimes combined with your water bill—though rates can vary by household size and municipality.

Bulky or hazardous items (like furniture, electronics, or oils) must be scheduled separately, either through special pick-ups or designated drop-off centers.

Portugal has also rolled out regional packaging-recovery schemes such as Valorsul in Lisbon and Lipor in Porto, to ensure that plastics, metals, and paper are channelled to licensed recyclers, helping the country steadily increase its recycling rate toward EU targets.

Natural gas supply

In most Portuguese cities and larger towns, homes and businesses are connected to a high-pressure natural gas grid operated by network companies such as REN Gás, Rede Eléctrica, and regional distributors under concession.

Suppliers such as Galp, Endesa, and Goldenergy sell you the gas under fixed-price or market-linked contracts, with monthly billing based on your meter readings. You choose your supplier, contract length (typically 12–24 months) and whether you prefer a flat rate per kWh or a time-of-use tariff.

Connection charges and a small refundable security deposit apply for new hookups, and you’ll pay both a standing charge (€/kW of capacity) and a volumetric rate (€/kWh) on each bill.

If you don’t have a natural gas pipeline in your neighborhood and you use a gas stove and boiler, you must replace the gas bottle yourself, which is available at most general goods stores.

Internet and home communications services

Portugal has some of the best fixed-broadband coverage in Southern Europe, with fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) reaching over 80 percent of households.

The main providers, MEO, NOS, and Vodafone, offer symmetric speeds from 100 Mbps up to 1 Gbps. Installation is typically free on new builds and a one-time fee (€50–€100) elsewhere. In areas without FTTH, VDSL over copper and cable DOCSIS remain available, ensuring at least 30–50 Mbps in most towns.

Mobile broadband is extremely competitive: 4G coverage exceeds 98 percent of the population, and extensive 5G networks cover all major cities.

Average Cost of Utilities in Portugal

In Portugal, the average monthly costs for combined utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, typically range from €100 to €200.

This range depends on various factors, such as the size of the property, the number of occupants, and individual usage habits.

For example, a single person living in a small apartment might pay around €80 to €90, while a couple in a larger space could see bills between €120 and €130.

Electricity price in Portugal

Entidade Reguladora dos Serviços Energéticos (ERSE) regulates the prices that electricity utility providers charge. The current tariff is expected to be in force until the end of 2027 and is reviewed annually by ERSE.

The regulated market price (your €/kWh and €/kVA), as set by ERSE, stays the same for 12 months, while the liberalized market locks you into a price for the duration of your contract, usually between 12 and 24 months.

With that said, the average household electricity price in Portugal runs around €0.24–€0.26 per kWh (all taxes included), with summer rates nearer the lower end and winter peaks pushing toward the higher figure. Before taxes and levies, you’re typically paying about €0.17–€0.18 per kWh.

These rates place Portugal slightly below the EU average, thanks in part to regulatory measures that have kept network and policy charges more restrained than in many neighboring countries.

Prices are reviewed twice yearly, so you’ll see adjustments in January and July based on wholesale market trends and tariff decisions by the regulator.

Average water bill in Portugal

The average household water bill in Portugal is €25–€30 per month for a two-person home, based on bimonthly metered billing (roughly €50–€60 every two months).

Smaller studios or single-occupant flats often see bills closer to €15–€20 per month, while larger families consuming more than 10 m³/month can pay €40–€50 or more.

Regional tariffs vary—rates typically run €0.31–€0.55 per m³ for supply and €0.33–€0.54 per m³ for sewerage, so your exact bill depends on your consumption and where you live.

Average gas prices in Portugal

Bottled liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Portugal is sold almost exclusively in exchangeable cylinders, the two most common being the 13 kg butane bottle and the larger 45 kg propane bottle.

The retail price of 13kg of butane ranges €30 to €36 per refill (deposit included), depending on the supplier and region. On the other hand, you’ll pay about €105 to €110 for a full 45kg propane bottle. That works out to about €2.20 to €2.45 per kg of propane.

Average price of internet and mobile

Most customers choose bundled “quad-play” plans combining internet, IPTV, landline and mobile services.

Entry-level fibre packages (100–200 Mbps) start around €25–€30/month, while premium 1 Gbps bundles with unlimited national calls and 10–20 GB of mobile data run €45–€60.

Providers frequently include a Wi-Fi 6 router at no extra cost, plus app-based TV guides, on-demand streaming and parental-control features.

How to Pay Energy Suppliers

Portuguese utility companies offer several ways to pay your bills, whether you prefer to do so through your mobile phone or directly at a local branch.

Automatic payments/direct debit: A debit order is the simplest way to pay for your water or electricity. When you open an account, the provider will ask for your banking details, and they will deduct the money directly from your bank account each month.

Bank account payment: A bank account payment is similar to a debit order, except that you have to initiate the payment manually. Essentially, the company sends you an invoice at the end of the month, and you must pay the corresponding amount into their account.It is the traditional way of paying for utilities, as all you need is the supplier’s Entity Code, the reference number, and the exact amount you must pay.

Mobile payment: One of the easiest ways to pay your bills is through a mobile banking application or the supplier’s dedicated app. Similar to a bank payment, many mobile bank apps have a “Pay Bills” option, and you simply input the Entity Code, the reference number, and the amount.

Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal

If you're considering making the move to Portugal, it's essential to be informed about the various visa and residency options available. The Golden Visa Portugal program is an attractive option for many, offering residency to investors and their families. For those eyeing retirement in this beautiful country, the Portugal D7 Visa is tailored for you. Digital nomads can take advantage of both short and long-stay options with the Digital Nomad Visa (D8). 

For the entrepreneurial spirit, Portugal offers the Entrepreneurship/startup Visa (D2) - Start-up Visa (open company) tailored for those looking to establish their businesses in the country. Those with specialized skills can explore the Work visa for highly qualified employees (D3). Additionally, if you have Portuguese ancestry, you might be eligible for Citizenship by descent. 

However, moving to a new country isn't just about visas. If you're thinking of buying property, our guide on Buying Property in Portugal can offer invaluable insights. Dive deeper into the immigration process with our comprehensive Portugal immigration guide. For Americans specifically looking to relocate, we have curated information on Americans moving to Portugal. Lastly, one can't forget the importance of the NIF (Tax Identification Number), a crucial step in any relocation process. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Utilities in Portugal

What utilities do you need to pay for in Portugal?

In Portugal, you’ll typically have separate bills for electricity, natural gas (or bottled LPG where piped gas isn’t available), and water and sewage services. Waste collection is managed by your municipality and usually billed alongside water or on its own.

How much are utilities in Portugal?

For an average 85 m² apartment, combined basic utilities (electricity, heating/cooling, water, and waste) usually amount to around €110–€140 per month. A standard internet and mobile bundle will add roughly €20–€40 monthly.

How do you pay for water in Portugal?

Water is metered in nearly all Portuguese homes, with consumption read every two months. Bills can be settled via SEPA direct debit from your bank account or through Multibanco (ATM or online banking) and MB Way smartphone payments. If you prefer cash or a card, you can also pay in person at post offices (CTT) or municipal offices.

What is included in utility bills in Portugal?

“Basic utilities” generally refer to electricity, heating (or cooling), water supply, sewerage, and waste collection. In many municipalities, these are itemized on a combined bill, though sometimes water and waste are separate. Telecommunications—like internet, landline, TV, and mobile—are always billed separately, though many providers offer bundle discounts.

How much is the average cost of utilities in Portugal?

A household’s monthly outlay for essential utilities averages about €110–€140. Internet and mobile services add another €20–€40, depending on speed and data allowances. If you include extras like cable TV packages or premium streaming services, expect to pay up to €200.

Are utilities expensive in Portugal compared to other European countries?

Portugal’s utility costs sit in the middle range within the EU. Basic utilities in Lisbon cost less than in cities like Bologna, though they are somewhat higher than in Valencia. When factoring in telecommunications bundles, Portugal remains more affordable than Western and Northern Europe but pricier than many Eastern EU nations.

How much does electricity cost in Portugal?

Household electricity rates average around €0.22–€0.25 per kWh, all taxes included, for medium-sized consumers. On a typical monthly bill, you’ll see a fixed network charge plus a variable consumption charge. If you opt for a dynamic tariff, rates can fluctuate hourly based on wholesale market prices, offering savings for those who shift usage to off-peak times.

What is the average monthly electricity bill in Portugal?

For a one-bedroom apartment, expect to pay roughly €50–€70 per month on electricity in mild seasons, rising to around €100–€120 during colder months if you use electric heating. Families in larger apartments may see bills of €120–€160 in winter. Smart meters are widespread, allowing you to monitor consumption in real time and adjust usage habits to save on peak-rate hours.

How is electricity charged in Portugal?

You can choose between a regulated fixed annual tariff, which remains constant for 12 months, or a market-liberalized contract. In the liberalized market, providers offer either fixed-price plans for the contract term or dynamic time-of-use tariffs that mirror hourly wholesale electricity prices.

What is the average water bill in Portugal per month?

Water bills for a two-person household generally average around €25–€30 per month, based on bimonthly meter readings. The charge combines volumetric water supply rates (typically €0.31–€0.55 per cubic metre) with sewerage fees. Some municipalities add environmental levies or wastewater treatment contributions, which are usually modest.

Is water metered or flat-rate in Portugal?

Nearly all urban and suburban homes have volumetric metering, where you pay per cubic metre used. Rates vary by region but usually fall between €0.31 and €0.55 per m³ for water, plus a similar range for sewage treatment. Flat-rate billing persists in some very small or rural municipalities, but most areas have transitioned to metering to encourage conservation.

How much is the typical gas bill in Portugal?

For natural gas users in a one-bedroom apartment, monthly bills average around €20–€30 when used for cooking and heating water. With space heating, bills can climb to €50–€70 in winter.

Do homes in Portugal use natural gas or bottled gas?

In most cities and larger towns, homes are connected to piped natural gas networks supplied by companies like Galp or Endesa. In rural areas or historic centres without pipelines, residents rely on bottled LPG (butane or propane), delivered by local distributors and typically refilled every few months.

How much does the internet cost per month in Portugal?

Unlimited fibre-to-home packages with speeds of 100 Mbps or more generally cost between €25 and €40 per month. Faster plans (500 Mbps to 1 Gbps) run €35–€50. Many providers bundle landline calls or mobile data allowances, with full quad-play bundles averaging around €50–€60.