The Portuguese government has introduced the Programa E-Lar, designed to assist citizens in replacing gas appliances with electric alternatives, offering financial support of up to 1,600 euros per household.

This initiative promotes the adoption of energy-efficient electric appliances rated A or higher, aligning with sustainability goals.

E-Lar features a digital voucher system that simplifies the process, allowing families to exchange gas appliances for high-efficiency electric ones without upfront payments.

The total funding for the E-Lar and complementary Bairros + Sustentáveis programs is set at 100 million euros, including 30 million euros from the Recovery and Resilience Plan and an additional 10 million euros from the Environmental Fund.

Within this budget, 30 million euros is specifically allocated for the E-Lar program, with 20 million euros designated for vulnerable families and 10 million euros for others.

Support amounts vary based on beneficiaries' social groups, with vulnerable families eligible for up to 1,683 euros, while others can receive a maximum of 1,100 euros.

While all citizens can apply for the program, the majority of funds are focused on families benefiting from social energy tariffs or those involved in the Sustainable Neighborhoods initiative.

The application period for the E-Lar program is set to begin on September 30, 2025, and will remain open until June 2026 or until funds are exhausted.

Environmental association Zero has praised the program's launch but urged for a more comprehensive national policy to enhance energy efficiency.

Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, highlighted that these programs represent a significant step towards energy efficiency and climate transition, supporting post-pandemic recovery efforts.

The complementary Programa Bairros + Sustentáveis focuses on energy rehabilitation in vulnerable urban areas, with a budget of 60 million euros aimed at various energy efficiency interventions.

The average support per family is projected to be around 1,300 euros, with measures in place to prevent inflation of appliance prices through careful pricing strategies.