Portugal regulator faces pushback over gas network investment plan

Environmental group GEOTA has urged the Portuguese energy regulator ERSE to reject the proposed 2027‑2031 gas distribution network investment plan, which totals €407 million and includes 113,000 new connections and at least 150 km of new pipelines. GEOTA argues the expansion contradicts EU electrification targets, risks stranded assets, could raise consumer tariffs and deepens Portugal’s reliance on imported gas.

Floene, the country’s largest gas distributor, warned that overly limiting the investment could also increase gas and electricity costs for consumers. The company says the €394‑million plan is the minimum needed to keep the network efficient, support decarbonisation through renewable gases, and ensure supply security. The public consultation on the plan closed on Monday; ERSE will issue a non‑binding opinion before the final decision is taken by the Environment and Energy Minister after parliamentary debate.