What is contracted power (kVA)?

Contracted power (in kVA) is the maximum power that can be used simultaneously in your installation. In Portugal, the most common tiers are 3.45 kVA, 6.9 kVA and 10.35 kVA. The higher the power, the higher the daily fixed cost, regardless of consumption.

What's the difference between flat and dual-rate tariffs?

With a flat tariff there is a single price per kWh throughout the day. With a dual-rate tariff there are two prices: peak (more expensive, usually from morning until early evening) and off-peak (cheaper, during the night and weekends). Dual-rate is advantageous if you can shift consumption to the off-peak period.

What are the TAR, IEC and DGEG fees?

The TAR (Network Access Tariff) pays for grid usage and is regulated by ERSE. The IEC (Special Consumption Tax) is a tax on energy consumed. The DGEG levy (General Directorate of Energy and Geology) is a regulatory contribution. These fees are the same for all providers and appear on all bills.

Can I switch providers for free?

In most cases yes. Switching providers in the liberalized market is free and without supply interruption. The only possible cost is an early termination penalty for contracts with lock-in periods. By law, the switch must be completed within 3 weeks.

Price bulletin

Electricity tariffs
in Portugal

Lowest annual cost

489 €

EDP Comercial

Providers

in the market

Tariffs compared

389

active offers

Last updated

27 October 2026

ERSE data

#ProviderTariffTypeEnergy €/kWhPower €/dayAnnual Cost

Estimated costs for reference consumption of 2500 kWh/year and 3.45 kVA. Analyze your bill for custom values.

Context

How does the
electricity market work?

In Portugal there are two markets: the regulated market (Last Resort Provider, managed by EDP Serviço Universal) and the liberalized market, where private providers compete freely on price.

Since 2013, the regulated market has progressively closed for domestic consumers. Today, the vast majority of consumers are in the liberalized market — but many still pay more than necessary out of inertia.

Tariff types

Simple (single price/kWh), Dual-rate (different off-peak and peak prices) and Triple-rate (peak, shoulder, off-peak). The right choice depends on your usage pattern.

Contracted power

The power (in kVA) determines the daily fixed cost regardless of consumption. Reducing contracted power, if your usage allows, can save dozens of euros per year.

How to read your bill

An electricity bill has four components: energy (kWh consumed × price), power (daily fixed cost), regulated taxes (TAR, IEC, DGEG) and VAT. The comparison between providers focuses only on energy and power.

Vocabulary

Glossary of the
electricity market

kWh: Kilowatt-hour — unit of energy consumed. It's the base measure for electricity billing. 1 kWh equals consuming 1000 watts for 1 hour.
kVA: Kilovolt-ampere — unit of electrical power. Defines the maximum contracted power, which determines the daily fixed cost on your bill.
TAR: Network Access Tariff. Rate regulated by ERSE that covers electricity transport and distribution. It's the same for all providers.
IEC: Special Tax on Electricity Consumption. Tax charged per kWh consumed, set by the State. It does not vary between providers.
DGEG: General Directorate of Energy and Geology. Government body that regulates the energy sector. The DGEG contribution is a regulatory fee on all bills.
IVA: Value Added Tax. In Portugal, domestic electricity is subject to 6% VAT (reduced rate). All prices in this bulletin include VAT.
MIBEL: Iberian Electricity Market. Wholesale market integrating Portugal and Spain since 2007. MIBEL spot prices influence market-indexed offers.
OMIE: Iberian Energy Market Operator. The Iberian electricity exchange that publishes daily MIBEL spot prices used in market contracts.

Personalized analysis

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best for you?

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Electricity tariffsin Portugal

How does theelectricity market work?