This year, the executive was still responsible for setting tariffs, and it was decided to "keep the 2023 prices with an adjustment to the expected inflation", indicated the Minister of the Presidency.

António Leitão Amaro then announced the approval of the tariffs for 2024, pointing out: "there was a past decision to make this power to set tariffs political, we have to exercise it".

The "decision for the future that applies from the 2026 tariff cycle is to return tariff-setting powers to ERSAR, the independent regulatory entity".

According to the minister, "it should not have been left there in 2021, it was a mistake", which is why the government is changing and returning to the "pre-existing situation: the power to set tariffs for the various types of systems returns to the regulator, who will do so with independence, rationality and impartiality".

In the area of ​​water, António Leitão Amaro also said that they will "allow all municipalities in the country, regardless of aggregation, to apply for European funds".

This is because many low-density territories "are unable to make improvements to their water systems" and therefore it is "necessary to allow everyone to access European funds to have projects financed to improve their water systems".