The application process for the E-Lar program, aimed at supporting the exchange of certain gas appliances for electric equipment, is soon to commence. It’s important to note that the voucher “can only be used once”, as specified by the program’s regulations.
DECO PROTeste has expressed concerns, highlighting that the program, which facilitates the exchange of stoves, water heaters, or ovens, raises several issues.
One major concern is the requirement that beneficiaries receive only one voucher for the total value of the different appliances and their installations, indicating that it can only be used in a single store: “This could potentially be an anti-competitive practice.”
What is an E-Lar voucher?
Essentially, it’s an electronic ‘voucher’ which, according to the rules, “allows beneficiaries to access eligible electrical equipment and associated services through the network of qualified suppliers of the E-Lar program”.
The list of qualified suppliers will be published on the Fundo Ambiental portal.
The E-Lar initiative, intended to facilitate the exchange of appliances for more efficient ones, already includes 391 providers, with an additional 87 applications in progress, according to data provided by the Ministry of Environment to Notícias ao Minuto.
Beatriz Vasconcelos | 07:51 – 18/09/2025
Applications begin on the 30th: What you need to know
Applications for E-Lar vouchers start on September 30, and candidates will be required to submit or present the following information and documents on the portal:
- The candidate’s full name.
- Tax Identification Number (NIF).
- Social Security Number (NISS).
- The candidate’s full address.
- Supply Point Code (CPE) number.
- Photograph of the old appliance to be replaced (gas stove, gas oven, or water heater).
It’s emphasized that the “candidate must provide complete mandatory information“, according to the rules.
Once the application is deemed eligible, the candidate will be notified via email and prompted to accept the Application Acceptance Terms on the platform, within a maximum of five working days. Only after signing the Acceptance Terms will the candidate receive an E-Lar voucher.
The acceptance of the Terms of Acceptance implies a commitment to adhere to the provisions of the notice and applicable legislation, with non-compliance possibly leading to equipment return and authorization for onsite installation verification, as noted in the regulations.
If the application is considered not eligible, the candidate will be notified by email, with justifications, and may correct the issues noted during the preliminary hearing.
The deadline for voucher activation at the supplier’s store is 60 days.
The E-Lar program has 40 million euros allocated to support the replacement of gas stoves, ovens, and water heaters with electrical hobs, ovens, and water heaters with an energy class of A or higher. Learn everything about this program.
Notícias ao Minuto | 07:50 – 06/08/2025
What are the beneficiaries’ responsibilities?
Beneficiaries have the following responsibilities:
- Keep the invoice issued by the supplier.
- Cover the differential amount between the invoice value and the sum of the maximum amounts of the equipment and services used through the E-Lar voucher, where applicable.
- Retain documents related to the application and execution of interventions (originals or authenticated copies, in digital or paper format) for a period of five years.
- Collaborate in the evaluation actions regarding the correct application of the support (surveys, audits, or inspection actions).
