How to choose the supplier, what should be in the contract, the valid distance contract without signature…
The electricity market in Portugal has been fully liberalized since September 4, 2006.
On January 1st of this year, one aspect was: domestic consumers can change, at any time, their electricity tariff, choosing between simple, bi-hourly and tri-hourly tariffs.
Perhaps “packed” by this greater flexibility, in recent weeks (more) the phone calls to convince consumers to change electricity provider.
While on the phone, remotely, it might not be a bad idea to pay more attention to the recommendations of the Energy Services Regulatory Authority, precisely on what to take into account when changing supplier.
The first point we highlight is precisely this issue: the Is a contract confirmed over the phone valid without a signature? Could it be. It is only valid, either with a signature (document sent later), or when you send your written consent (SMS, letter, email).
To accept a contract, confirm that the document has all the information: prices, conditions, start date, duration, any associated additional services, payment methods, among others.
There is also the contract form: a document that suppliers are obliged to deliver to all electricity consumers with contracted power up to 41.4 kVA, before signing the contract. The form summarizes the main conditions of the contract.
Compare proposals. There are several simple and intuitive price simulators. You can also make a simulation of the power to be contracted.
There may be additional services in the contract: insurance, technical assistance. It is worth paying attention because, in some cases, they are proposed at the same time and in the electricity contract itself. But suppliers must submit proposals that do not include additional services.
The supplier can’t hide important information or provide false information. If the contract is concluded using this method, it can be canceled by the consumer.
The electricity contract may have a period of loyalty. If there is an advantage or benefit for the consumer. Loyalty does not renew automatically. And it cannot be longer than 1 year.
The contract can be changed. Either by the consumer or by the supplier. Accepted changes may correspond to the acceptance of a new contract – and perhaps a new loyalty period.
He can to give up of the contract whenever you want, under the terms set out in the contract; or when entering into a new contract with another supplier.
You can also withdraw from the contract has distance, or outside the establishment, within 14 days of its celebration; without costs or need to indicate the reason.
Finally, the focus: You can change supplier at any time. Simply sign a new contract with another supplier. When changing suppliers, you do not need to expressly end the previous contract: the new supplier takes care of everything.
Nuno Teixeira da Silva, ZAP //
