EDP -

Jake · Post by **Jake** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 11:35 am

Is it possible to request that EDP take a meter reading. I can't speak Portuguese and don't really know what to do. But our electricity bill must be miles out and I am paying way too much each month on an estimated bill. Is there any way I can request they take a reading? Do I just ring them and hope I can get someone who speaks English?

Thanks
J

kteee · Post by **kteee** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 12:56 pm

You can ring them and give them your meter reading, or even text it to them - details on the back of the bill. They normally read the meter once a year.

Jake · Post by **Jake** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 10:35 am

Thank you. I have actually been online and sent them the reading via the internet. Very easy.

J

curious · Post by **curious** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 5:52 pm

how did you get online and post the reading - thanks

steve · Post by **steve** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 6:04 pm

www.edp.pt and go to comunicar leituras and follow the steps shown

Jake · Post by **Jake** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 9:01 pm

The website is all in Portuguese but its easy to work out. The bits I didn't understand I just copied and pasted into the alta vista babel fish thing. http://world.altavista.com/
Managed it with no probs.
J

Littlelegs · Post by **Littlelegs** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 10:11 pm

Hi

I think you will find that there is a "English" heading in the top right hand corner of the EDP site that may be helpful

Littlelegs

shanagarry · Post by **shanagarry** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 2:39 pm

Would learning to speak and read Portuguese be helpful in your adopted homeland?

Bruxinha · Post by **Bruxinha** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 10:19 pm

I am not trying to slag people off by saying this, but I think it is not only helpful but essential to have a least a working knowledge of the language of the country you are living/working in. Not only does it make life easier and mean you don't have to keep relying on others for help but it can often stop you getting shafted! There are those out there that REALLY use it to their advantage and to your extreme disadvantage, if you don't understand what they are saying. I see far to many English people signing stuff and they have no idea what they are signing, whilst muttering to themselves "oh, no problems, they seem like really nice people"!

Don't be lazy...little and often is the key. It might open up a whole new world for you.

kteee · Post by **kteee** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 11:48 pm

It would help if Portuguese people were willing to help though - I have often asked for things in shops and restaurants in Portuguese, and been answered in English

Bruxinha · Post by **Bruxinha** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 8:41 am

Yes kteee, that happens a lot. Not sure if they are just trying to be helpful or show off they speak English or are simply trying to say your Portuguese isn't very good (and I don't mean yours personally)

You know the solution to this...look confused and say "desculpe, não falo inglês"

Bom fim de semana

Jake · Post by **Jake** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 1:26 pm

1. The English part of the website is very limited. The meter reading bit is all Portuguese.

2. shanagarry says 'Would learning to speak and read Portuguese be helpful in your adopted homeland?'

Was this aimed at me?

Here we go again. Don't assume that just because I can't yet speak or read Portuguese that I have no intention of doing so. I have only been here a few months.

I posted not so long ago about a laptop I have bought with Windows XP in Portuguese as I thought it may help me to learn the language.

People are so damn critical on here without knowing the full facts.

I am going to leave posting on here now, unless its purely factual. You can bet that someone has a go still though.

Sorry but I don't want to chat with you guys any more.

shanagarry · Post by **shanagarry** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 1:35 pm

A little sensitive to a bit of constructive advice are we?

Bruxinha · Post by **Bruxinha** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 3:02 pm

Hi Jake,

Well, I for one wasn't aiming my comments about learning the language solely at you. It is also why I said I am not slagging people off because of it. I just feel protective of all of you that don't even know a basic working knowledge of the language and believe me my Portuguese is FAR from perfect. Unfortunately, there are a number of unscrupulous folk here that will take advantage of you because of it and I think that is worth pointing out, as well as the hassle factor in not just being able to pick up the phone to do things or make enquiries in shops etc.

I personally think if people are planning to relocate to another country to live and work, it is better to start the lessons/books/tapes etc well before you leave your country of origin, but ok if not, certainly one should make a start on arrival.

Great idea to have windows in Portuguese to help you learn. I also found having my mobile phone in Portguese helpful, as you learn basic verb structures like "enviar" to send and "apagar" to delete etc etc. Plus, although I know it is rather dreadful, watching Portuguese TV is a must to get a flavour and ear for the language. Watch the news (has the story headlines written underneath too, so if don't catch all the words by sound, you can still read) and the soaps. The language is fairly simple and the situations are the same in any country, so you can get the gist of what is going on.

Now Jake I hope I have been constructive. Good luck with learning and don't leave us miserable lot alone for too long.

eco/spider · Post by **eco/spider** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 4:10 pm

Jake dont be such a tart.Dont get your y fronts in a twist mate.Very good reply Brux gel.