Portugal sets 2029 deadline for new water tariff rules

ERSAR, Portugal's water and waste regulator, has published a new Water Services Tariff Regulation in the official gazette, setting common criteria for how water supply and wastewater tariffs are defined and updated across state and municipal operators. The rules take effect 30 days after publication, but operators have until 1 January 2029 to adapt their tariff structures, with the new model applying from the first regulatory period starting after that date. Regulator president Vera Eiró said the aim is to boost transparency and predictability in tariff decisions. The regulation followed consultation with ERSAR's Tariff Council and a public consultation process.