Portuguese government unlocks efficiency vouchers for 27,800 families

The Portuguese Ministry of Environment confirmed that 27,800 families will receive Vale Eficiência vouchers to improve home energy efficiency.

These households were previously told they were eligible for the program but did not receive the funds due to administrative hurdles. Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho explained in Parliament that the program struggled because it originally required a technical facilitator for each voucher.

The government could not find enough professionals willing to perform the necessary work for a payment of 50 euros. Because of this, the government only issued 20,000 out of the 40,000 vouchers originally planned. The ministry found a way to bypass these technical requirements now that the PRR funding period closed. Families who do not have debts to the tax authority or social security will receive vouchers worth 1,599 euros.

The government negotiated with suppliers so families do not have to pay money upfront. A platform will open in November for families to claim their vouchers and begin renovations.