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Audiovisual Contribution (CAV)

See how much Audiovisual Contribution you pay on the electricity bill: standard amount, social reduction, exemption below 400 kWh/year and 6% VAT.

By Elijah·UPDATED AUGUST 2026·4 MIN·OFFICIAL SOURCES
KEY FACTS
Standard amount
€2.85 + 6% VAT / month
Reduced amount
€1.00 + 6% VAT / month
Exemption
< 400 kWh / year
2026 Budget
amounts not updated
kWh
Abaixo de 400 kWh/ano, a CAV fica isenta ou é devolvida.
ESTADO DA CAV—
€—
—
Base mensal—
IVA mensal (6%)—
Mensal com IVA—
Anual com IVA—
Poupança anual face ao normal—

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How this works

The Audiovisual Contribution is a small fixed line on the electricity bill, but three rules are worth checking: the standard amount, the social reduction and the low annual-consumption exemption. This tool applies Law 30/2003, confirms the non-update in the 2026 State Budget and adds the 6% VAT used on bills.

  1. 1
    Start with annual consumption
    If annual electricity consumption stays below 400 kWh, the law provides a CAV exemption. ERSE explains that if it has already been charged, the amount must be refunded at year end.
  2. 2
    Check the social reduction
    Where the low-consumption exemption does not apply, some consumers identified through the social tariff pay reduced CAV: €1.00 per month before VAT instead of €2.85.
  3. 3
    Apply 6% VAT
    CAV appears on the electricity bill and carries reduced-rate VAT at 6%. So the standard amount including VAT is €3.02 per month; the reduced amount is €1.06 per month.
  4. 4
    Multiply by the billing period
    A monthly bill charges one month. A two-month bill charges two monthly amounts. The tool also shows the annual cost so you can compare the real impact.

Frequently asked

What is the Audiovisual Contribution (CAV)?
It is a contribution charged on the electricity bill to finance public radio and television. ERSE explains that it is owed by the electricity consumer, whether or not they use the television service.
How much is CAV in 2026?
The standard amount is €2.85 per month before VAT. With 6% VAT, that is €3.02 per month. Portugal’s 2026 State Budget says the monthly amounts in Law 30/2003 are not updated.
Who pays only €1 CAV?
The law reduces CAV to €1.00 per month for consumers in situations such as the old-age solidarity supplement, social insertion income, social unemployment benefit, 1st bracket child benefit or social invalidity pension. Identification is handled through the social tariff process.
Who is fully exempt?
Consumers whose annual consumption is below 400 kWh are exempt. The law also excludes electricity used in certain agricultural CAE 011 to 015 activities when the meter can clearly separate that consumption.
Is CAV charged on a two-month bill?
Yes. Because CAV is monthly, a two-month bill normally shows two monthly amounts. That is why the tool lets you choose 1 or 2 months in the billing period.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
DISCLAIMER
Informational tool for electricity contracts in Portugal. It assumes CAV is charged monthly and that the applicable VAT is 6%. The social reduction depends on consumer identification through the social tariff process; the below-400 kWh exemption may depend on annual reconciliation or supplier history. Agricultural CAE 011-015 activities are excluded only when the meter separates that consumption. Always check your bill and supplier.