# Setting Up Utilities in Portugal (2026) > Learn how to activate electricity and natural gas in Portugal: documents, CPE/CUI, meter reading, and change of titleholder. By Jules de Bruin · URL: https://www.how-to-portugal.com/energy/setting-up-utilities Updated August 2026. To contract electricity or natural gas in Portugal you need a **NIF**, **supply address**, and the meter **CPE** (electricity) or **CUI** (gas). Most discounts require a **Portuguese IBAN** and electronic billing. If you are moving house, request a change of titleholder or a new contract. Short-stay visitors or tourists should generally not open a household contract: energy is handled by the landlord or accommodation unit. ## What documents do I need to contract energy? All household contracts require three pieces of information: Portuguese NIF, supply address, and delivery-point identification. For electricity this is the CPE; for natural gas it is the CUI. Most discounts also require a Portuguese IBAN for direct debit. ### Required documents and data - Portuguese NIF - Supply address (may differ from tax address) - CPE (electricity) or CUI (natural gas) - Portuguese IBAN for direct debit (recommended for discounts) - Identification document (passport or citizen card) ## How do I sign a new electricity contract? If the meter is already connected, simply choose a supplier and submit the subscription. If it is disconnected, you must request reconnection from the grid operator, which may take time and require a technician visit. The contracted power defines how many appliances you can use simultaneously. Small apartments usually have 3.45 kVA or 4.6 kVA. Power that is too low may trip the breaker; excessive power raises the standing charge. ## How do I activate natural gas? First confirm the address has a natural-gas network. Then locate the CUI on the previous bill or meter. The process is identical to electricity: choose a supplier, submit NIF, CUI, and IBAN, and wait for activation. Off the natural-gas network, alternatives include LPG cylinders for cooking and heating, or other solutions such as heat pumps or solar panels. ## How do I change titleholder when moving house? When moving house, you can request a change of titleholder with the same supplier or take the opportunity to switch tariff. In both cases, record the meter reading on the move date. If you stop paying or do not process the change, the previous titleholder remains responsible for the bill until the registered move date. Always ask for proof of the change. ## What about short stays or tourism? Household energy contracts require a NIF and permanent address. For short stays, tourism, or holiday rentals, energy should remain in the name of the property owner or unit manager. Do not open a household contract if you do not have permanent residence in Portugal. If you have recently arrived in Portugal and do not yet have a permanent address, energy will be included in the rent or condominium fees. Only contract a supplier once you have a NIF, official address, and intend to stay at least several months. ## Related Guides [### Energy in Portugal Sector overview.](/energy)[### Electricity and gas How the market and bill work.](/energy/electricity-gas)[### Best energy providers Ranking by tariff type.](/energy/providers)[### Address registration How to get an official address in Portugal.](/moving/address-registration) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I contract energy without a NIF? No. All household electricity and gas contracts require a Portuguese NIF. The NIF is the first document to obtain. ### What is the gas CUI? The CUI (Código Único de Instalação) identifies the natural-gas installation at an address, just as the CPE identifies the electricity meter. ### How long does activation take? If the meter is already connected, activation can be immediate or on the next billing cycle. If disconnected, reconnection may take several working days and require a technician visit. ### Can I get an energy contract in English? Most suppliers only issue contracts and bills in Portuguese. EDP Comercial, Iberdrola, Repsol, and MEO Energia indicate English support, but contractual documents may still be in Portuguese. --- Source: https://www.how-to-portugal.com/energy/setting-up-utilities Last updated: n/a Format: LLM-readable Markdown twin (.md) of the canonical HTML page.