Regional Government already implemented several measures to reduce energy bills and accelerate energy transition - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

 In view of the systematic misinformation promoted by the PS/Açores party regarding electricity tariffs, the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures clarifies that the electricity tariffs to be charged to consumers in the Autonomous Region of the Azores are set by the Energy Services Regulatory Authority (ERSE) in accordance with the respective Tariff Regulation.

In addition to the methodology for determining the level of income to be provided by each tariff, the Tariff Regulation also defines the tariff calculation methodology and the procedures for determining the structure of tariffs. The updating of these parameters by ERSE in 2023 resulted in an increase of electricity costs.

ERSE has been reviewing electricity tariffs every quarter. Taking into account the current context, it is expected that the amounts to be charged will start to decrease from July, relieving costs for companies and families.

The Regional Government, within the reach of its powers, has promoted several initiatives to reduce the energy bill of Azoreans, while promoting an effective energy transition.

An innovative and bold programme, due to its innovative features, SOLENERGE is today a national reference and a case study within the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). This type of system is not, for example, available in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

Under SOLENERGE, there is a very significant stimulus to the production of solar photovoltaic energy for self-consumption, co-funding the purchase and installation of solar photovoltaic systems at 100%.

As of May 31, 2023, 3.128 investment applications had already been submitted, with an approved incentive amount of €5.493.953,78, representing an approved power of around 4MW. Among these, 84 applications have already been fully paid, corresponding to an allocated amount of €598,132.46 and an installed capacity of 421.23 kW.

The full payment of the applications still under implementation and of those that will be submitted in the meantime will represent a paradigm shift for many families and companies, with a very significant structural impact on their energy costs, as has never happened in the Azores.

At the same time, the financial incentive for the acquisition of electric vehicles and charging stations is also a measure that contributes to reducing the energy bill of Azoreans in a sustainable manner.

Special emphasis is also given to the PROENERGIA programme, a system that encourages the purchase of more efficient equipment, the installation of equipment using renewable energy sources and the storage of clean energy.

Finally, it is important to point out that the Social Electricity Tariff is also available at a national level. It provides a 33% discount on electricity bills for economically vulnerable families.

For companies, it is relevant to note that the Regional Government has created a support system for companies regarding staff costs, as a way to partially compensate for the increase of several production costs, namely electricity - the Salary Increase Support Mechanism (MAIS), which may represent an investment of about 10 million Euros.

In addition, by decision of this Government, the tax differential in the Azores is at its maximum limit compared to Mainland Portugal, representing another source of funding for the economy and contributing to the activity of companies and household budget management.

Nevertheless, the Regional Government maintains a diligent approach, attentive to market developments. It is taking proactive measures with ERSE and defending the best possible conditions for the operation of companies and the well-being of the population while rejecting the systematic artificialisation of the economy based on dependence on the State.