Utilities
Oct 12th 2017, 9:03 am
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 102
Utilities
How does the utilities contract system work in Portugal?
My lawyer arranges to transfer utilities into my name when I purchase my property but how do I know I'm not taking a contract that locks me into paying more than I need to? Is there a similar system as in the UK where you can shop around for suppliers?
I'm guessing water depends on location and there no real option of supplier but gas and electricity?...
I'm sure everyone has their own tales to tell of good and bad for broadband/TV/phone suppliers but any pointers welcome. I'm not a huge TV watcher so basics is fine but good broadband is vital. I'll be in a town so hopefully speeds will be good but I've no idea how to find out what's best other than walk into a shop and hope I don't get ripped off.
My lawyer arranges to transfer utilities into my name when I purchase my property but how do I know I'm not taking a contract that locks me into paying more than I need to? Is there a similar system as in the UK where you can shop around for suppliers?
I'm guessing water depends on location and there no real option of supplier but gas and electricity?...
I'm sure everyone has their own tales to tell of good and bad for broadband/TV/phone suppliers but any pointers welcome. I'm not a huge TV watcher so basics is fine but good broadband is vital. I'll be in a town so hopefully speeds will be good but I've no idea how to find out what's best other than walk into a shop and hope I don't get ripped off.
Oct 12th 2017, 11:15 am
#2
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,032
Re: Utilities
There is a lot of knowledge of these things on the forum, but I think more details are required to help you.
Are you planning to be here full time?
What kind of property? do you have a pool, a garden, what sort of heating system?
As far as I can tell, the internet / TV / phone deals are all exactly equal to each other, but your choice will depend on your location and your usage.
Most homes intended for "expats" have huge power services installed that have high standing charges. You can easily down size but might get nuisance tripping. It's an entire and somewhat boring subject of its own.
Other homes [ours before renovation] have tiny little services that won't run an electric kettle...
Are you planning to be here full time?
What kind of property? do you have a pool, a garden, what sort of heating system?
As far as I can tell, the internet / TV / phone deals are all exactly equal to each other, but your choice will depend on your location and your usage.
Most homes intended for "expats" have huge power services installed that have high standing charges. You can easily down size but might get nuisance tripping. It's an entire and somewhat boring subject of its own.
Other homes [ours before renovation] have tiny little services that won't run an electric kettle...
Oct 12th 2017, 1:56 pm
#3
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 102
Re: Utilities
There is a lot of knowledge of these things on the forum, but I think more details are required to help you.
Are you planning to be here full time?
What kind of property? do you have a pool, a garden, what sort of heating system?
As far as I can tell, the internet / TV / phone deals are all exactly equal to each other, but your choice will depend on your location and your usage.
Most homes intended for "expats" have huge power services installed that have high standing charges. You can easily down size but might get nuisance tripping. It's an entire and somewhat boring subject of its own.
Other homes [ours before renovation] have tiny little services that won't run an electric kettle...
Are you planning to be here full time?
What kind of property? do you have a pool, a garden, what sort of heating system?
As far as I can tell, the internet / TV / phone deals are all exactly equal to each other, but your choice will depend on your location and your usage.
Most homes intended for "expats" have huge power services installed that have high standing charges. You can easily down size but might get nuisance tripping. It's an entire and somewhat boring subject of its own.
Other homes [ours before renovation] have tiny little services that won't run an electric kettle...
I'm not sure what's meant by homes for expats? The people I know tend to live in amongst the Portuguese in a mixture of settings. If you mean a condominium then no, I wont be on one.
Sounds like another minefield of a subject
Oct 12th 2017, 3:53 pm
#4
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Joined: Apr 2007
Location: Poço Longo, Olhão
Posts: 836
Re: Utilities
Mother in Law has apartment in Sao Bras:
Water supplied by Sao Bras Camara.
Gas by Gas Verde
Electric by EDP.
I would speak to people who live in town regarding internet. We use a 3/4G modem in apartment with a Vodafone SIM. OK for general use but not used for streaming TV. We put up a satellite dish for Intelsat 907 which gives basic UK terrestrial channels.
Water supplied by Sao Bras Camara.
Gas by Gas Verde
Electric by EDP.
I would speak to people who live in town regarding internet. We use a 3/4G modem in apartment with a Vodafone SIM. OK for general use but not used for streaming TV. We put up a satellite dish for Intelsat 907 which gives basic UK terrestrial channels.
