Applications for the E-Lar program will begin at the end of this month, though replacing certain gas appliances with the electrical equipment promoted through the program may prove costlier for consumers, warned DECO PROteste.
“Starting September 30, consumers can apply for a voucher to exchange gas appliances for electrical equipment. Water heaters can be replaced with storage water heaters. Gas stoves can be replaced by electric cooktops. And gas ovens can be replaced by electric ovens. But only specific appliances are covered by the E-lar program voucher, and not all exchanges are beneficial,” explained DECO PROTeste.
Water Heater or Storage Water Heater
For example, DECO PROTeste detailed that the “E-Lar program only includes the exchange of gas water heaters for storage water heaters,” meaning the vouchers cannot be used to purchase heat pumps, which are the most efficient water heating appliances with the best environmental performance.
“Consumers who wish to benefit from the E-lar program for water heating will exchange a water heater for a more energy-consuming and more expensive appliance on the monthly bill. It does not pay off for those using bottled butane gas (most common in Portugal) and is even less advantageous for those using natural gas,” the analysis stated.
Another example given is that “it is not always beneficial to replace a gas stove with an electric cooktop.” “For those with a natural gas stove, replacement is only cost-effective with an induction cooktop. Replacing it with a ceramic cooktop results in higher monthly costs,” advised the organization.
“Conversely, if your stove operates with bottled gas, it is worth using the E-lar program voucher to replace the stove with an electric cooktop, whether induction or ceramic. The greatest savings are obtained with the induction cooktop,” explained DECO PROTeste.
The consumer protection organization also raised seven concerns regarding the E-Lar program. These include:
- Competition. The E-lar program’s regulations stipulate single-use vouchers, which seemingly require consumers to purchase all equipment from a single supplier, raising significant competitive concerns.
- Promotion of Consumption. Instead of investing in improving home insulation to reduce energy consumption, the program promotes increased energy use by financing appliances that, in some cases, entail higher energy consumption.
- Heat Pumps Excluded. The absence of incentives for purchasing heat pumps—the most efficient water heating equipment with the least environmental impact—is perplexing. Instead, the program promotes storage water heaters, which are economically and environmentally inefficient.
- Small Storage Water Heaters. Clarification is urgently needed on which storage water heaters can be purchased with the program’s voucher, as the eligible models appear unsuitable for family use.
- Gas Sealing. Replacing gas appliances with electrical ones requires technical work to seal gas outlets, absent from the E-lar program details, challenging household safety.
- Electrical Installation. Increasing the number of electrical appliances in homes may be incompatible with existing electrical installations in many residences, necessitating consumers to ensure they won’t incur additional expenses from major electrical system overhauls.
- Contracted Power. Adding more electrical appliances, along with their power demands, might compel consumers to increase the contracted power with their electricity provider, a cost that must be considered. Remember that for each level of power increase, you pay an additional 2 euros monthly, and raising multiple levels may be necessary to accommodate all household appliances.
According to the Portuguese Association for Consumer Protection (DECO), all individuals of legal age are eligible to apply, distributed into three groups. Learn more about them and review the rules.
Notícias ao Minuto | 08:30 – 17/09/2025
