winniepop

HI all

two Q's if I may..

Electricity providers: any recommendations? I found the comparison site https://simulador.precos.erse.pt/eletricidade/ is this the best? Some tariffs have limits, do I read this correctly?

Via Verde - is there an advantage to buying the transponder? The rental seems very cheap so I'm not sure why one would buy?

Also, a bonus question if I may - are there water meters on every property? Or is water old UK style i.e. ratable value?

many thanks for any help!

we arrive early August! Yey!

AliceCaroline

The water is metered.

Red Eric

None that I can see.

The rental option wasn't available when I bought mine and at the time the purchase price was recouped within a few trips thanks to a system of discounts which applied at the time.

I wasn't aware there was a rental option actually - don't recall seeing it mentioned on here before. Useful to know for future reference - and it is remarkably cheap, isn't it?

Bet you can't wait.

macliam

I haven't played the elecricity game - so I stayed with EDP - I heard that others try to tie you into restrictive contracts but check what's on offer in your area.

I rent the Via Verde transponder..... if you buy, it's up to you to fix/buy a new one if anything happens, if you rent it isn't. Also, in my case, I don't use the motorways every month..... and I don't pay rent if I don't have any charges to pay.

My water is from a borehole, so no meter..... but all piped water is metered.

winniepop

Thanks so much everyone for taking the time to reply.

Score76

Bought a 2nd car last week so went to Via Verde office in the Municipal Market in Faro. 3 options offered for the transponder:
Buy outright for 21€
Rent for 45c per month (pay every month)
Rent for 70c per month (pay only in months where you use the motorways)

And as previous posters have said, with the last two options, if anything goes wrong, battery goes etc, just take it back for a new one.

BillBullock

I do very few journeys on the A22 so I pay after the event. I also have 2 cars. I leave it for 3 days, check online how much I owe and pay the amount online from my bank account.

liveaboard

Nice thing about the transponders is when you travel a bit further; all the toll stations in Portugal have a via verde lane you can drive through without waiting. Driving in and out of Lisbon, this is a big time saving.
It also works in much [maybe all?] of Spain now.

I think the battery is dead on my old transponder, but it doesn't seem to make any difference!
The optical number plate recognition system associates my reg with the account and charges me just the same.

macliam

I agree that the transponder is a more convenient way to manage tolls - it also work for car parks at the airport and other things. Whether one chooses to buy or rent is down to the individual, the cost is not huge, but I wouldn't go back to schlepping into post offices again - and the couple of times I forgot to do so were hassle I don't need.

Red Eric

Also, if you're using a toll road on your way out of the country it won't be an option unless you're back within a few short days.

BillBullock

But you can pay online from any country.

Pilotabroad

From my relatively fresh experience....

Water is metered and seems a reasonable price

Road tolls only take an extra 60secs to pay by ticket and gives you immediate reciepts if you are submitting accounts here.

Electric - All of it seems expensive here however... EDP most expensive by far, but any issues/connection/call out etc is done immediately and easily (Can even visit a store if preferred), Endesa is cheaper with more deals, but are an absolute nightmare to deal with for example they got my name wrong on the account and 22 calls, 7 emails later... still wrong! Admit I've been overcharged but won't refund, told if want it back to apply through consumer agency that I need to pay to join.
Also all other providers still use EDP to switch on/check/cut off/repairs

Hope that helps a little

DiDAN

I contracted ENDESA.PT as my electricity provider and I'm quite happy with them. Just pay far less then with EDP. No binding contract.
You may use my 302262628 code (código Plano Amigo) to get €1 off from your monthly bill.
I don't get why people are stuck with EDP tariffs.

BillBullock

I have looked at Endesa prices for bihorario electricity supply and, even with the 12% discount they offer, the cost for my usage would be higher not lower than I am paying with EDP.

DiDAN

Don't forget to add IVA (VAT) to EDP tariff. I checked a year ago and Endesa were winner.
It's quite hard to get the right tariff compared as they use different tricks to hide extra fees.
You should also consider the maximum power provided, as the tariff depends on it.