Thousands of people remain without electricity and are relying on generators to provide lighting. E-Redes expects to reinforce support with more equipment sent from Spain and France. The situation could persist for weeks.
Power cut leaves 19,000 people in the dark in Ourém as generators arrive from Spain and France
Sunday, 1 February 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
E-Redes (formerly EDP Distribuição) is the company that operates Portugal's low- and medium-voltage electricity distribution network, serving over 99% of mainland Portugal. It is a subsidiary of EDP (Energias de Portugal), the country's largest energy utility.
E-Redes is responsible for maintaining power lines, substations, and transformers; connecting new customers and solar panels to the grid; reading meters; and restoring power after outages. It operates under a concession granted by the Portuguese government and is regulated by ERSE (Entidade Reguladora dos Serviços Energéticos).
During storms and extreme weather, E-Redes coordinates emergency repair crews to restore electricity supply. Residents can report outages and check restoration timelines through the E-Redes website or app. The company is also central to Portugal's energy transition, managing the integration of growing rooftop solar and electric vehicle charging into the distribution grid.
