Aid for upgrading gas appliances with more efficient models
E-Lar Program in Portugal: A Government Initiative to Support Energy-Efficient Appliances
The E-Lar program, a government initiative in Portugal, is designed to help families transition to more energy-efficient electric appliances, such as stovetops, ovens, and water heaters of energy class A or higher. This move aims to promote energy transition and combat energy poverty [1][2].
Eligibility and Budget
Initially, the program targeted families facing financial difficulties, with a specific focus on vulnerable households like those eligible for the social energy tariff. However, the program has been expanded to include all families in Portugal [1][4]. The total budget for the E-Lar program is set at 100 million euros, with €40 million coming from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) and an additional €10 million from the Environmental Fund, if demand justifies it [2][4].
Registration and Implementation
The E-Lar program registration will open on August 18 for suppliers, and families wishing to benefit from the support can register starting September 30 [3]. The program, managed by the Portuguese Ministry of Environment and Energy, will continue until the available amount is exhausted [1][2][4].
Families eligible for the social energy tariff can receive a voucher worth up to €1,683, while others may receive a voucher worth up to €1,100 for the purchase of energy-efficient appliances within the E-Lar program's network [2][4]. Payments under the E-Lar program are made directly by the Climate Agency to suppliers.
Bairros + Sustentáveis Program
In addition to the E-Lar program, the Bairros + Sustentáveis program is also available. This program, which receives €60 million from the PRR, is open to municipalities, private social solidarity institutions, and residents' associations [5]. Projects eligible for the Bairros + Sustentáveis program include thermal insulation, green roofs, natural ventilation systems, solar panels, and more efficient water use devices [6]. The Bairros + Sustentáveis program estimates that the available funds will allow for work in at least 3,500 residential units.
Interested parties can apply for the E-Lar program by filling out a form on the website www.fundoambiental.pt. For more information, visit the official websites of the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Climate Agency.
[1] Portuguese Ministry of Environment and Energy website [2] Climate Agency website [3] Fundo Ambiental website [4] E-Lar program information [5] Bairros + Sustentáveis program information [6] PRR information
- As part of Portugal's commitment to climate-change mitigation, the E-Lar program's expansion now includes all families, not just those facing financial difficulties.
- The Bairros + Sustentáveis program, funded through the PRR, invites municipalities, private institutions, and residents' associations to invest in energy-efficient technologies such as solar panels and thermal insulation.
- Under the E-Lar program, eligible families can receive vouchers worth up to €1,683 for energy-efficient appliances, with payments made directly by the Climate Agency to suppliers, thereby combining environmental-science and finance in a government initiative aimed at technology advancement and industry transformation.
