Latest news and stories about utilities in legal in Portugal for expats and residents.
Minister of Environment Maria da Graça Carvalho confirmed that a recent cyberattack targeting several companies within the Águas de Portugal group did not impact the public water supply. The minister stated that the breach was contained within the administrative systems of the utility provider.
The state-owned water management group Águas de Portugal confirmed it is the target of a complex cyberattack affecting its information systems and customer contact channels. The company assured the public that water supply, sanitation, and quality remain unaffected while the Judiciary Police and the National Cybersecurity Center (Centro Nacional de Cibersegurança or CNCS) investigate the breach.
The National Cybersecurity Center (Centro Nacional de Cibersegurança or CNCS) is the government agency responsible for promoting and coordinating cybersecurity across Portugal. It monitors digital threats, provides guidance to citizens and businesses on protecting data, and manages the national response to significant cyber incidents.
The Water and Waste Services Regulation Authority has advised the Municipalized Water and Sanitation Services of Almada (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento de Almada or SMAS) to proactively compensate residents affected by recent water supply interruptions. The regulator argues that the utility should identify impacted households rather than waiting for formal complaints.
SMAS (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento) is a municipal service provider responsible for managing water supply, sewage, and waste collection in specific Portuguese municipalities. In Almada, this entity oversees the local water infrastructure, and its operational failures are often linked to long-term maintenance and investment decisions made by the local government.
The consumer protection association DECO criticizes the water tariff in Almada, citing a double penalty for residents amidst a crisis that ERSAR identifies as a significant management failure.
Smaller energy retailers are increasingly opting for shorter contracts to mitigate risks associated with geopolitical instability, such as the conflict in Iran, according to insights from the comparison service Manie.
Seixal has moved to secure legal assistance for residents and businesses affected by recent power cuts that have damaged households, disrupted economic activity and impaired essential services. The municipality’s intervention aims to help affected parties understand consumer and utility law, gather evidence of losses and pursue claims or compensation, while scrutinising the responsibilities of suppliers and the adequacy of emergency responses.
Energy consumer complaints rose by 47% in the third quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2025, despite a 12% decrease compared to the previous three months, according to data released by ERSE.
An arbitration centre ordered the company to pay €8,000 to a consumer from Olhão. E-Redes is contesting the decision.
Águas de Portugal has asked employees not to connect computers to the internet. The Judiciary Police and the National Cybersecurity Centre have been notified. There is no evidence of data leakage. There is no deadline for a full resolution.
The group guarantees that water supply and sanitation have not been affected. The Judiciary Police are investigating the attack and recovery efforts are ongoing.
The number of cases detected annually by E-Redes has grown by 30% in three years. The volume of energy diverted surged in 2025.
Third part of 'Investigação CM', July 8, 2026.
First part of 'Investigação CM', from June 2, 2026.
The PS wants an audit to determine the losses to consumers, refunds via bill discounts, and the creation of a supervisory board, in addition to requesting that the municipality join the case as an assistant.
ERSE classified the Iberian blackout as an “exceptional event”. REN and E-Redes will not have to pay compensation, but customers can request indemnities.
The Energy Services Regulatory Authority (ERSE) stated that the power outage was an exceptional event and dismissed the possibility of compensation for affected consumers.
An explanation of the consequences and procedures following a two-month delay in water bill payments within the Portuguese system.
About 300 people live in the area and have been without street lighting for almost two months. The lack of response is causing concern.
In addition to cable thefts, the mayor said there may also be equipment faults or problems with the fuel supply.
After months without billing, many customers received large bills all at once. What's gone wrong at Galp? Listen to the new episode of Economia dia a dia, Expresso's daily podcast, presented by Juliana Simões.
Galp energy customers were faced with large bills after months without invoicing — disruptions have been occurring since September and some bills exceed €500, according to Jornal de Negócios. The Energy Services Regulatory Authority (Entidade Reguladora dos Serviços Energéticos, ERSE) reports receiving 80 complaints on the matter and stresses that the company is obliged to agree payment plans with affected customers and may have to provide compensation.
Galp says the delays stem from changes to its contracting and billing platforms.
After months without bills and with no response from customer service, consumers are being confronted with hefty charges. Galp confirms billing delays since September, admitting that 5% of customers have still not been invoiced.
