How Portuguese companies can cut their electricity bill — and how much they can save

Portugal has one of the highest tax burdens on business electricity in Europe. For SMEs, more than half of the bill consists of charges unrelated to actual consumption.

ADENE and DGEG studies indicate that Portuguese SMEs have an average savings potential of 20% to 40% on electricity bills.

Why is the electricity bill so heavy?

• Energy Tariff (TE) - The actual cost of energy consumed.
• Network Access (TAR/UUR) - Remunerates electrical infrastructure.
• Taxes and charges - 23% VAT, CESE, CIEG. Often 40–55% of the total.
• Time-of-use and power - Off-peak consumption can reduce costs by 30–50%.

The 8 highest-impact measures

1. LED Lighting - up to 80% savings on lighting.
2. HVAC with Inverter - up to 40% on air conditioning.
3. Solar PV - 30–60% of total.
4. Free Energy Market - 10–25% on energy tariff.
5. IoT Monitoring - 5–15% of total.
6. Power factor correction - up to 10%.
7. Automation - 5–12% of total.
8. IE3/IE4 equipment - 10–30% on motors.

Calculate your savings

Use our Energy Efficiency Simulator to calculate the combined impact.

Where to start: 4 essential steps

1. Certified energy audit
2. Quick wins without investment
3. Technology efficiency investment
4. Contracting strategy and own generation

Sources: ADENE, DGEG, ERSE, Portugal 2030, MIBEL.

30 Mar 2026

Beverage Packaging Deposit System: How It Works in Portugal

From April 10, 2025, Portugal launches a deposit system for beverage packaging. Learn how to recover €0.10 per returned container.

Read article

30 Mar 2026

Fixed-Term vs Permanent Employment Contracts: Differences, Rights and When to Use Each (2026)

Hiring and unsure which contract to use? We explain the differences between fixed-term, uncertain-term and permanent contracts — with comparison tables, deadlines and practical examples for 2026.

Read article

30 Mar 2026

Can a Managing Partner Not Receive a Salary? Everything You Need to Know in 2026

Are you a partner or manager wondering if you can choose not to receive a salary? We explain the tax implications, Social Security and alternatives.

Read article