The E-Lar program is expected to launch later this July after being postponed from the end of April to June. The initiative aims to support families in acquiring more efficient appliances.
The measure, E-Lar – Energy Efficiency and Thermal Comfort, is intended to promote thermal comfort in homes by replacing inefficient appliances and gas equipment with more efficient and sustainable electric alternatives.
At the beginning of the month, a source from the Ministry of Environment indicated that the slight adjustment from the initial forecast results from the current priority of the Climate Agency: completing the evaluation and payment of applications to the More Sustainable Buildings Support Program (PAES 2023).
At the same time, the government mentioned that the effort is very close to completion and noted that 81,069 applications were submitted, of which 77,948 were considered valid. In total, 54 million euros have already been paid – more than 85% of the applications evaluated thus far.
Who is the program for?
The initiative, initially intended only for families in more vulnerable situations, is now also open to all families wishing to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Thus, E-Lar will be directed to three distinct groups: vulnerable families using social energy tariffs or minimum social benefits; residents in vulnerable neighborhoods; and all families wishing to participate in the initiative through a broader model.
How to apply?
To access the measure, individuals must visit an Energy Space desk to apply for the E-Lar program. Appointments can be made at https://redeespacoenergia.pt/agendamento/.
What is included?
The list of appliances to be replaced currently includes stoves, ovens, and water heaters. Initially, the program was also expected to cover small appliances like kettles, stovetop plates, and heating systems, with the possibility of refrigerator exchanges being considered.
The Ministry of Environment emphasized that the access model will be simple and fast and that electric equipment of energy class A or higher, replacing gas or less efficient equipment, will be supported.
The measure forms part of the E-Lar – Sustainable Neighborhoods package, approved by the European Commission, with an investment exceeding 100 million euros, anticipating the Social Climate Fund, with 1.6 billion euros expected until 2030 to protect the most vulnerable in the energy transition.
This result was achieved thanks to the reorganization of the Environmental Fund’s structure, the creation of the Climate Agency, the strengthening of technical teams (in collaboration with the New University of Lisbon, University of Lisbon (IST), and the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo), and the adoption of new digital evaluation support tools, developed with INESC-ID, stated the Ministry led by Maria da Graça Carvalho.
