“When the distribution network operator does not meet individual standards for continuity of service - such as the number and duration of long interruptions - affected customers are automatically compensated, without requiring any request”.

In 2019, operators compensated customers with about €197,000, concludes the regulator, in the Electric Sector Technical Service Quality Report for 2019.

In Portugal there were, on average, 2.20 interruptions per customer. The low voltage connection is destined, essentially, to residential customers, stores, offices and small companies.

The average duration of interruptions by customers has remained stable over the past six years, at around 125 minutes in mainland Portugal, 258 minutes in the Azores and around 68 minutes in Madeira, the document adds.