The E-Lar program allocates 40 million euros to support the replacement of gas stoves, ovens, and water heaters with electric alternatives, rated A or higher. Applications open on September 30.
Who is eligible? How will it work? When does it start?
Upon the program’s introduction, the Ministry of the Environment provided a statement, revealing 12 questions and answers concerning the initiative. Here are the key points.
1 – Who can apply for E-Lar?
“The E-Lar Program is open to recipients of the Bairros + Sustentáveis Program (Group I), beneficiaries of the Social Electricity Tariff (Group II), and anyone holding an electricity supply contract (Group III).”
2 – Where to apply and what are the deadlines?
“Applications for E-Lar network suppliers open on August 18, 2025. For final beneficiaries, applications start on September 30, 2025. Both can be completed at www.fundoambiental.pt, which provides application forms and the program’s regulations.”
3 – How does the Program work?
“The process is straightforward. The final beneficiary only needs to apply through the Fundo Ambiental portal, provide the required details, and await the E-Lar voucher. Afterwards, they proceed to a listed network supplier, found on the portal. No payment is necessary unless the chosen equipment exceeds the reference value set by the Program.”
In practice, citizens request a voucher, which is subsequently exchanged for the equipment. The Government’s support is paid directly to the suppliers, sparing beneficiaries from upfront payments or waiting for reimbursements.
4 – Is a reimbursement process involved?
“The E-Lar Program aims to minimize bureaucracy. Consumers simply present the voucher and select the equipment. The support payment will be handled by the Climate Agency (ApC) directly to the network supplier.”
5 – What are the responsibilities of E-Lar network suppliers?
“Suppliers must offer the program’s covered equipment, verify the beneficiary’s taxpayer number with the application approval document, block the used voucher in the Fundo Ambiental platform, issue an invoice with a detailed description of the purchased appliances, their energy class, and additional services. They must also ensure delivery, installation of the new appliances, and collecting old ones within 30 days from voucher application, documenting the entire process with photographs, including directing the replaced equipment to appropriate collection and recycling centers.”
6 – What types of equipment can be replaced?
“Gas stoves, ovens, and water heaters can be replaced with equivalent electric equipment of class A or higher.”
7 – Does the voucher have a time limit?
“Once issued, the voucher must be used within 60 days.”
8 – Are the funding amounts consistent for everyone?
“Amounts vary according to the beneficiary group. The most vulnerable group can receive up to 1,683 euros, while other cases see a maximum support of 1,100 euros.”
9 – Can E-Lar be used for replacing end-of-life electric equipment?
“The Program’s objective is to encourage families in the decarbonization process by admitting only gas equipment swaps.”
10 – Who handles the recycling of replaced equipment?
“Recycling is the responsibility of the new equipment provider, who must collect the replaced appliances and direct them to an appropriate recycling center.”
11 – What kind of oversight is in place?
“Beneficiaries may undergo inspections by competent services to confirm the equipment exchange was executed as planned. They should also retain the invoice describing the acquired appliance(s). Non-compliance with Program rules might result in returning the equipment and possibly being reported to judicial authorities.”
12 – Can the E-Lar fund be increased?
“The E-Lar Program is funded with 40 million euros: 30 million from the PRR, supplemented by 10 million from the Environmental Fund. Of this, 5.6 million are allocated to Group I (Bairros + Sustentáveis beneficiaries), 14.4 million to Group II (recipients of the Social Electricity Tariff), and 10 million to Group III (anyone not in the prior groups but holding an electricity supply contract). The additional 10 million, along with the fund reallocation between groups, depends on execution rates. Hence, unused funds from one group might be reallocated to another. E-Lar applications are accepted until June 2026 or until funds are exhausted.”
