Every now and then, there are consumers who receive exorbitant bills to pay. They are usually payments for several months of electricity, water, gas or telecommunications consumption.

Luisa Borges received a water bill of approximately 222 euros for consumption from 2022 to 2024. The law is clear: a real census must be carried out at least every 6 months, but this has not happened.

Louisa was not even one of the most affected. At Seixal, several consumers received bills worth 500 euros, and there was also a customer receiving one with it 2800 euros to pay.

In contact with SIC, Câmara do Seixal explains that there are contractual problems with the company that carries out the charges and that It was necessary to make adjustments. The municipality confirms that “invoices indicate actual consumption, and therefore they are a due fee.”

She adds that in order not to be harmed, “they can enter into payment agreements, without any interest, which can be up to 36 months depending on the value of the invoice.”

But at no time did the city council reveal the citizens' right to do so Activating the so-called “6-month law”.

The Basic Services Law – Article 10 – clearly states that “the right to receive the price for the service provided Provided within six months after submission“.

The General Directorate of Consumer Affairs realizes that this law – despite the passage of several years – is still unknown and little used by citizens.

How do you file a complaint?

Just go to Google and search “The debt prescription is precise.” You will find several examples. There are versions for communications, water, gas and electricity. Parish councils can also help with completing the document.

The only exception to this law is if the company attempts to do the counting and the consumer blocks the reading.