Power outages and blackouts

The most common emergency scenario in Portugal. Learn how to prepare and what to do when the lights go out.

Why power outages happen in Portugal

  • Storms and strong winds: the most frequent cause of power outages. Trees fall onto power lines and poles, interrupting supply
  • Wildfires: damage high and medium voltage lines, especially in inland areas during summer
  • Grid overload: heat waves cause consumption spikes (air conditioning, fans), which can overload transformers
  • Scheduled works and maintenance: the distributor may interrupt supply for network works, usually with advance notice
  • Distribution network failures: transformer breakdowns, damaged underground cables or substation problems

Before the blackout: preparation

Lighting and communication

  • At least 2 torches with spare batteries (avoid candles, fire risk)
  • Battery or wind-up radio to listen to Antena 1 FM and receive official information
  • Charged power bank to keep your mobile phone operational

Backup power

Basic necessities

  • Water reserve: the water pump may stop without electricity (see water calculator)
  • Foods that don't need cooking: tinned food, biscuits, dried fruit, energy bars
  • Cash in notes: ATMs and payment terminals don't work without power
  • Extra blanket in winter: central heating stops working

During the blackout

DANGER: Carbon monoxide

Never use generators, barbecues or camping stoves indoors, in the garage or any enclosed space. Carbon monoxide is odourless and can kill in minutes. If using a generator, keep it at least 6 metres from the house, in a ventilated area.

Equipment and electricity

  • Unplug sensitive electronic equipment (computers, TVs, gaming consoles) to avoid damage when power returns
  • Leave one light on to know when power returns
  • Use torches instead of candles (fire risk, especially with children and pets)
  • If using a generator, keep it at least 6 metres from the house, in a ventilated area

Food and communication

  • Keep fridge and freezer closed: fridge safe for up to 4 hours, full freezer up to 48 hours (see calculator)
  • Don't open fridge/freezer doors unnecessarily
  • Listen to Antena 1 FM (regional frequencies) for official information
  • Keep at least one corded landline phone (works without electricity)

Check on vulnerable neighbours

Elderly people, those with reduced mobility or dependent on electric medical equipment (oxygen, CPAP) may be in danger during a prolonged blackout. Check if they need help, especially during cold or heat waves.

Food safety during blackouts

Safety timings

  • Closed fridge: food safe for up to ~4 hours
  • Full freezer: food safe for up to ~48 hours
  • Half-full freezer: food safe for up to ~24 hours
  • Food with ice crystals still visible can be safely refrozen

Safety rules

  • When in doubt, throw it out. Never taste to test if it's good
  • Meat, fish, dairy and eggs: discard if above 4 °C for more than 2 hours
  • Use a cooking thermometer to check food temperature
  • See complete guide: food safety

After the blackout

Immediate checks

  • Check food in the fridge and freezer (4h/48h rule)
  • Turn on equipment gradually, not everything at once to avoid overloading the grid
  • Check clocks and timers (they may have lost time)
  • Check for damage to electronic equipment (voltage spikes when power returns)

Restore supplies

  • Replace used batteries in torches and radio
  • Charge power banks and power stations
  • Restore water, food and generator fuel reserves
  • Note the duration of the blackout for future reference and complaints

Useful contacts

Distributors

  • E-REDES (national power grid operator): 800 506 506
  • SU Eletricidade (Endesa): 800 800 635
  • EDP Comercial: 800 505 505

Emergency

  • 112: European emergency number
  • ANEPC (Civil Protection): 214 247 100

More information

Related tools

Generator calculator

Select your equipment and find out what generator you need and how much it costs.

Battery runtime

Calculate how long your power station will power essential equipment.

Freezer runtime

Calculate how long frozen food will last without electricity.

Food safety

Complete guide on how to keep food safe during and after a blackout.

Emergency safety

Carbon monoxide, electrical safety, fire and document protection.

Be prepared, not scared

Most power outages in Portugal last just a few hours. But prolonged blackouts (24 to 72 hours or more) can happen during severe storms or fires. Having a plan and the right materials transforms an emergency into a manageable inconvenience. Start with the preparation checklist.