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The supply of
Public
Utilities in Portugal - electricity, gas, water and telephone - have
improved considerably over the past few years. Nevertheless the supply of utilities does not always run as efficiently as you will have used in your own country.
Good heating is
essential in every Portuguese home, especially during the damp winter
months. |
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All methods of heating
are expensive here in relation to the overall cost of living. This is
mainly due to Portugal's reliance on imported fuels. However the
Portuguese government are combating this with an innovative and
progressive investment programme in
renewable energies
to severely reduce energy bills and conform with the Kyoto
Protocol to reduce emissions by 2010. |
Electricity
in Portugal
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The electricity voltage in
Portugal is 220 V. 50 Hz. Plugs are normally 2-pin round and all lamps fittings are of the screw-type.
EDP (Energias de Portugal) provides
electricity for mainland
Portugal. There are varying tariffs available
depending upon the level of use a property may need. You may be
surprised when creating a new electricity supply contract for your
property in Portugal at the company's desire for you to be energy
efficient.
By filling out an energy usage questionnaire you will
receive an energy efficient, halogen bulb for your new home. If the
property you are looking to purchase does not already have an
electricity supply, don't assume the electricity company will
automatically create one.
See more details on
Getting Connected to Electricity in Portugal. |
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Only a small area of
Lisbon is served by a natural gas distribution network.
However changes to planning regulations in 2006 mean any new build
properties in
Portugal have to be plumbed ready for a gas supply via an
underground network. This however is not anticipated to reach more rural
areas until 2030.
At present bottled butane gas is widely available as an alternative, and is commonly used for domestic cooking, heating water and heating the home. Various private companies
supply bottled gas, as do many small general stores. Gas bottles of 13 kilos are normally used in individual homes. A bottle of this size will last an average family approximately one week.
Most modern apartment complexes have a central reserve of several large gas bottles from which gas is piped to the individual homes. Always find out who the delivering agent is in case you should need
to contact them.
Gas bills are still delivered by hand and payment may be made on the spot or at the supplier’s office.
*How
to Get Connected to Gas in Portugal |
Water
in Portugal
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Water is an important commodity in
Portugal. Most rural properties
will either have a
borehole
(furo) or a
well
(poço). Tap water is
though considered safe to drink in most parts of
Portugal.
If you are connected
to mains water in
Portugal this will by supplied and billed by
SMAS (Serviços
Municipalizados de Àgua e Saneamentos).
Each municipal (council) oversees the installation, maintenance and
billing of their district therefore in some areas you will have to speak
directly with your council for connection or other related mains water
issues.
The water is metered and each household is billed according to usage. In the Lisbon area the water supply is adequate although shortages do occur in high summer and may result in water cuts lasting up to a few hours.
Water bills are
some times delivered by hand and may be
settled immediately or at the local office. You may also pay by standing order
and have your bills sent via email. If you have not set up a direct
debit from your Portuguese bank account, then you can pay through any
multi-bank using the codes and information provided on the bill.
Important: utility bills should be paid within the time period stated. Failure to pay promptly will result in the utility concerned being cut off without further warning.
See
How to Get Connected to Mains Water in Portugal |
Telephones
in Portugal
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The telephone company in
Portugal is state-owned and the telephone system operates reasonably well for the most part. It is currently undergoing modernisation and within the next three years
Portugal will have one of the most up-to-date telephone technologies in the world.
Automatic dialling to most countries of the world is now possible throughout most of
Portugal. In a few regions it
may still be necessary to seek the operator’s help. For the international service dial 00, followed by the individual number. There are English-speaking operators to assist with placing international calls should you experience any difficulty.
See
more information
Telephones in Portugal
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