Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Are you in the habit of switching on the heating when you get home? Selectra , a specialist in energy tariffs, explained to SUPERCASA Notícias what impact this has on your electricity bill, while also clearing up some myths about the use of heating appliances. According to the scenario chosen by Selectra, because it is quite common in Portuguese homes, the least economical option is the convector heater, regardless of the hourly tariff. On the other hand, the most cost-effective alternative is the infrared heater. Even so, and doing some maths, we see that using an electric heater is 42% more expensive than an infrared heater and 13% more expensive than an oil heater. However, it should be noted that the discrepancies in the amounts spent are also linked to the specific profile of each consumer, as well as the regime in which each household is located. In addition, the tariff chosen also has an influence on the final costs, such as the insolation and thermal insulation of the home. Lets get to the myths! 1.Its better to leave the heating on than to switch it on and off all the time This is probably the biggest myth of all and the one that is often responsible for absurd electricity bills in winter. And the logic behind it is quite simple: if its on, its wasting energy. The right thing to do is to switch it off, or at least turn down the temperature, whenever you have to leave the house or are no longer going to use the room. 2. The perfect temperature should be between 24ºC and 25ºC As well as not being the most energy-efficient behaviour, choosing these temperatures can also lead to a loss in sleep quality or the onset of headaches. Selectra therefore recommends setting your thermostat to between 19 ºC and 21 ºC, as these temperatures not only maintain a pleasant atmosphere in your home, but also prevent a significant impact on your monthly bills. 3. The radiator doesnt have to be in a specific place There is no rule on where to place the radiator, however, if you place it under the windows, you will be able to take advantage of the air coming in through them to form a current that helps spread the heat throughout the house. 4. Insulating the house from air intakes doesnt solve the whole problem Because its an extra expense that isnt seen as urgent, making improvements to home insulation is a task that is often put on the back burner. However, what some people dont realise is that this is a strategy that can lead to savings of up to 30% on energy bills! 5. You shouldnt open the windows in winter to keep the heat in Contrary to what you might think, ventilating the house is still very important even during the winter months, as it reduces the amount of humidity that is installed and ends up making it difficult to heat the space. Stay tuned for SUPERCASA Notícias daily round-up!
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Tourist resorts in the Algarve are committed to reducing their water consumption once again , given the worsening drought in the region. There will have to be a 15% reduction in water consumption and the abstraction of this resource from aquifers. The measure was presented on Wednesday, January 17, by the Ministry of the Environment and Agriculture . Organizations such as the Algarve Hotel and Tourist Association (AHETA) and Turismo do Algarve attended meetings of the drought committee in order to assess the levels of water scarcity in the region. According to data from the Portuguese Environment Agency , the urban sector consumed 75 cubic hectometers (hm3), 40% of which is accounted for by tourism, and the agricultural sector consumed a total of 135 hm3. The financial means to implement some of the water efficiency measures are scarce and an obstacle to compliance. The reuse of gray water (effluent resulting from the water consumed in a building in baths, showers and sinks), the application of synthetic grass in the surrounding areas of hotels, resorts or inns, are examples of methods to be adopted to reduce the amount of water used. Replacing taps and cisterns with more efficient equipment is also an option. The president of Turismo da Região do Algarve explains that the amounts are being budgeted in conjunction with the government and the Portuguese Environment Agency, so that support instruments can be created to encourage adherence to the green label and the implementation of the measures . The future measures applied to the tourism sector will be announced in the Council of Ministers. At the Council of Ministers this Thursday, it was decided that tourism will not benefit from any compensation for the restrictions imposed . Duarte Cordeiro confirms that there is no restriction on the development of tourist activity , but only a conditioning regarding water efficiency and water saving . It will be necessary to increase territorial cohesion and change mentalities, and it is also urged not to go back on the measures adopted if the situation improves. In recent days, the north and center of the country have seen high levels of rainfall thanks to Depression Irene, forcing the Portuguese Sea and Atmosphere Institute (IPMA) to issue a yellow alert in several regions. Although it hasnt rained with the same intensity in the Algarve, the president of AHETA emphasizes the alarm phase were in. Follow these and other topics in SUPERCASA News .
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The kitchen is a space in the house with a very specific function, where meals are prepared and also, in some cases, served. Although its a much-used space, its not always the most aesthetic, so here are some tips for decorating your kitchen. 1. Kitchen utensils Since the kitchen is mostly used for its function, why not use some of the utensils as decoration? Choose to buy colored or bamboo pans and other utensils , depending on the style you want to give your kitchen. Colors can also be added to appliances by simply applying stickers . As well as giving your kitchen a new look, youll also be optimizing cooking tasks , since youll have everything much more accessible. 2. Fruit Using fruit to decorate your home is not a new concept, but its not always used well. This is an excellent solution for decorating your kitchen which, as well as adding color, can inspire healthier and more nutritious eating. 3. Plants Incorporating elements of nature into your home decor is always a good option. Plants transform any environment and can be much more than decorative elements. So you can take the opportunity to grow herbs and spices that can be freshly picked to use in your dishes. When choosing your plants, look for species that dont shed too many leaves or pollen, in order to reduce dirt and the risk of plant debris falling into your meals. When decorating your kitchen, dont forget the functional part. Avoid placing too many elements in the most used areas, such as the stove, as these can cause some inconvenience when preparing meals and make cleaning more difficult. Follow these and other topics in SUPERCASA News .
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction More and more families are choosing to adopt pets to add company and joy to their home. SUPERCASA News gives you the best tips for decorating your home and preparing for the arrival of a new companion. 1. Space If youre thinking of adopting a pet, especially a medium or large dog, its essential to leave enough space in the room for your pet to move around freely. As such, you should make sure that there is space between your furniture for movement, but also save some room for inserting your pets objects, such as its bed, food and water bowl and its toys. You can also choose to lay porcelain flooring in the rooms to make day-to-day maintenance easier to manage. 2. Furniture As you know, having a pet also requires acquiring furniture for it . As such, you can choose to buy furniture that already has space, for example, for the pets bed. Its also possible to create furniture and leisure spaces for pets , using colourful shelves and empty shelves, which not only personalize the space, but also make it more comfortable for the animal to explore. 3. Sofa Your pet will also enjoy the furniture you already have at home, such as your sofas, so its important to choose the right materials to avoid damage or hair accumulation. The fabric best known for being pet friendly is natural or synthetic leather , as it is resistant to odors and easy to clean . However, you can also opt for suede, twill or cotton canvas, as they also withstand damage well and are easy to clean. 4. Carpets For the carpets in your home, SUPERCASA recommends jute , synthetic or PVC or polypropylene fabrics , as they are easy to wash. If you have older pets, you can also choose non-slip rugs , which will make it easier for them to move around. When it comes to colors, choose more sober tones, such as beige and nude, which are perfect for disguising stains or excess hair. Want more decorating tips? Read also: Old houses: take note of these foolproof decorating tips and Tips for remodelling your property without spending a lot of money
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The project of REN - National Energy Networks that promotes the defense of RNT infrastructure and forest against rural fires in the Serra da Cabreira through the help of horses of Garrana breed (263 mares and 28 stallions) was again highlighted in the international press, this time in the British The Guardian. The report highlights REN’s contribution to the protection of this indigenous breed, one of the most emblematic and threatened species in the region , as announced in a statement to SUPERCASA Notícias . The Guardian reported the search for a new job for the claws, who help in the prevention of forest fires through an initiative that brought together REN, the municipality of Vieira do Minho, ACERG (Association of Horse Breeders of the Garrana Breed) and APOSC (Association for the Development of the Serra da Cabreira). The decline of the garranos after 16,000 years of domestication began in the middle of the last century, as farms were mechanized and tractors and cars replaced the horses, the British newspaper noted. With the implementation of the protocol, local communities have one more incentive to value this species, of which there are less than two thousand copies, according to ACERG data. Within the scope of the initiative, REN was responsible for creating a system of improved pastures, drinking fountains and for the placement of GPS in the dominant stallions and mares. The goal is that the animals do not move to more dangerous areas in search of food, while cleaning the vegetation (daily about seven thousand kilos), substantially reducing the risk of rural fire. The initiative has the support of APOSC, which through its teams of forest sappers complements the work that is not performed by the claws in the corridors of the Energy Transport Lines of REN. It is a crucial effort in Portugal, a country that knows all too well the damage that forest fires can do, the Guardian wrote. REN’s project aimed at defending the forest and protecting the claws had already been highlighted in the international press in July, with a report by France Press. The French agency reported the use of sapping horses to prevent fires. And in September, a report from the French daily Le Figaro also told the story of the project, adding that since 2010 REN has already helped landowners in the region to plant native trees as a way of preventing fires. In October, according to the information to which SUPERCASA Notícias had access, the project was awarded by the Portuguese Association of Business Ethics, which recognized its innovative character, having distinguished it in the Axis of Social Responsibility, in the category Environment: Reducing Impacts. Follow more in SUPERCASA Notícias
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction There has been a 50 per cent increase in the worlds renewable electricity capacity between 2022 and 2023 , according to the International Energy Agency. However, the agency believes tha t current public policies may be insufficient to allow production capacity to triple by 2030, as defined at the last United Nations climate summit in Dubai (COP28). Under current market and policy conditions, global capacity would increase 2.5 times by 2030. This is still not enough to fulfil the COP28 goal of tripling capacity, but we are getting closer and governments have the tools they need to make up the difference, the IEA emphasises. However, it is positive about possible exponential growth over the next five years, which could represent the biggest increase in 30 years: Renewable electricity generation capacity has never expanded so rapidly in 30 years, giving us a real chance of achieving the goal that governments set at COP28 of tripling global capacity by 2030 . The country that has contributed most to this growth is China, with 66 per cent more wind turbines than last year, but Europe, the United States and Brazil are also showing unprecedented levels, working in favour of the forecasts left by the Agency, which may still be insufficient given the need for funding for developing countries. Fatih Birol, director of the IEA, emphasises: the most important challenge for the international community is to rapidly increase the financing and deployment of renewable energy in the majority of emerging and developing economies, many of which are falling behind in the new energy economy. Want to keep reading about Sustainability and Energy? Check out this news: Fighting energy poverty: Government sets target for 2030 , Bioarchitecture: the trend thats here to stay or Energy is no longer the main culprit for gas emissions
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The assessment of the dams IMI for 2019 is being analysed by the Budget and Finance Committee (COF), as the director-general of the Tax and Customs Authority, Helena Borges, said on Thursday 11 January: we do not rule out the possibility of continuing to assess taxes for 2019. This follows the request submitted by the Left Bloc (BE) regarding the expiry of the deadline for paying IMI on dams, considering that several MPs had already emphasised the expiry of the tax, mentioning the possibility of it still being levied for 2019, basing this possibility on a 2020 law. This law, passed in the wake of the pandemic, suspends tax assessment deadlines, and its application is now being discussed. What I am certain of is that we have done and will continue to do everything possible to guarantee the assessment and collection of these taxes, said Helena Borges. She regrets that premature judgements are being made. Regarding the delay in assessing IMI on the dams in question, Nuno Santos Félix, Secretary of State for Fiscal Affairs, indicated that by the end of 2023 the assessment of 83 dams had been finalised, with assessment notices for 32 of these hydraulic developments due to be issued. SUPERCASA Notícias brings you all the important current affairs. Follow us daily!
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction A number of taxpayers may receive an increase in their personal income tax refund, following the decision by 60 per cent of municipalities to waive the partial income tax revenue to which they were entitled, allowing it to be returned to those who have a tax residence in the respective geographical area. This decision could mean a reduction in the tax to be paid to the state by the municipalities or an increase in the refund of the final IRS bill to be paid in 2024. According to the information released, Lisbon will return 4.5 per cent of personal income tax to residents, while Porto will return 1.5 per cent, Gaia 2.5 per cent, Loures 0.25 per cent and Braga 2 per cent of personal income tax. It is known that of the 42 local councils that decided to reduce the portion of personal income tax to which they would be entitled, 6 increased it, allowing their municipal coffers to benefit from it, according to the Portal das Finanças (Finance Portal) following the figures communicated to the tax authorities by the end of last year. On the other hand, there are 8 councils without any data released. Read also: More than half of the wealth of the Portuguese is real estate or What are Liberatory Taxes? Learn more
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction ERSE has announced that the regulated market will see an average increase of 3.7 per cent in relation to the prices in force in December 2023, compared to the average increase of 1.9 per cent proposed in October. To illustrate this increase, Selectra has done the maths and revealed, in a statement sent to SUPERCASA Notícias , the real increase in electricity bills for consumers in the regulated market. We used the average consumption for a family of four, according to Pordata. In this sense, on a bill of 453 kWh, the increase will be €2.62 per month. Annually, this amounts to an increase of €31.51 . Even so, if we do the maths with the 1.9 per cent increase mentioned by ERSE in October, the current figures are around 95 per cent higher than expected. On a monthly basis, the increase in the bill would be €1.34 and €16.18 at the end of the year. ERSE recommends that consumers consult the price consumer at the beginning of each year and preferably twice a year: it is advisable for consumers to be attentive and try to use the simulators available. If they find a better market offer, they should change supplier. Follow more topics related to SUPERCASA Notícias
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction According to the Secretary of State for Labour, the Institute for Employment and Professional Training (IEFP) has already received 1,428 applications for the digital training cheque , of which 586 have been given the green light to pay support of up to 750 euros to workers training in digital areas such as cybersecurity, data processing or digital marketing. As announced by the executive, the measure could change very soon to cover civil servants and online training. Regarding the investment applied to the measure, the figure was disclosed by Miguel Fontes: we have already received 1,428 applications for the digital training cheque. Of the total number of applications submitted, 586 have now been approved, which corresponds to a value of 400,000 euros, said the Secretary of State for Labour. Of the total number of applications received, around 90 per cent correspond to training actions with values equal to or greater than the maximum provided for by the training cheque campaign, which totals 750 euros, the aim of which is to develop workers skills and qualifications in the digital field . Announced in the summer and with applications starting on 8 September, t he measure was aimed at workers regardless of their employment relationship , i.e. workers dependent on an employer, self-employed, sole proprietors or partners in one-person companies. Excluded from the universe of potential beneficiaries were workers on public contracts, although it could soon be accessible to civil servants: it was felt that there was no reason why civil servants should be excluded. Miguel Fontes emphasises that, as well as being able to cover civil servants, the updates could also start online, unlike what has been planned up until now, in face-to-face and hybrid schemes: we have to take advantage of this opportunity, which is the particularly unique fact that we have generous funding at our disposal so that workers can face the digital transition. Thus, with an allocation of one and a half million euros for the measure, it is confirmed that this year the IEFP will make a strong commitment to publicising the measure, making it reach more potential eligible candidates. The measure will be available until 30 September 2025 and aims to support a total of 25,000 Portuguese. If you like this measure, follow SUPERCASA Notícias to find out about other initiatives.
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction In 2023, Portugal achieved a historic milestone in the production of renewable energy, a feat that allowed it to reduce emissions of polluting gases in the production of electricity to the lowest level on record. According to a statement issued by the environmental association Zero, three records were broken in the energy sector last year: - Most renewable production; - More days in a row with only renewable energy; - Lowest gas emissions ever. The accounts show a very significant record, in the order of 3.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, the lowest figure since at least 1990, the first year in which Portugal reported greenhouse gas emissions, says the association. The closure of the two coal-fired power stations which, together with the natural gas plants, produced between nine and 17 million tonnes of CO2 a year, contributed to achieving these figures, explains the organisation. As a result, Zero concludes that the energy sector is no longer primarily responsible for emissions, with road transport taking over . Despite the good results, the association also emphasises the need to develop storage infrastructures, as well as the importance of speeding up the production of renewable energy, taking account of the population and making transparent decisions. See also: Fighting energy poverty: Government sets 2030 target
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction As part of the Long-Term Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty 2030-2050 (ELPPE), published last Monday in the Diário da República, the government aims to reduce the percentage of families unable to keep their homes properly heated during the coldest periods. According to the 2020 figures, 17.8% of households did not have this capacity, and the government now aims to reduce this figure to 10% by 2030. As announced in the decree published by the executive, the goal by 2050 is for only 1% of the population to live in these conditions. On the other hand, a target has also been set for families living in uncomfortably cool housing during the summer to fall from 35.7% in 2012 to 20% by 2030. The ELPPE, based on four strategic lines of action, aims to combat and eliminate energy poverty in Portugal , and it is estimated, as stipulated in the governments public document, that between 1.8 and 3 million people currently live in energy poverty , of which up to 660,000 are in severe energy poverty. The four strategic axes of the ELPPE include the promotion of energy and environmental sustainability in housing , the promotion of universal access to energy services considered essential , the promotion of integrated territorial actions and, finally, knowledge and informed action with the appropriate bodies . This strategy aims to reduce the number of families in a situation of energy poverty , which includes dwellings with damp problems, leaks or rotting elements. A National Energy Poverty Observatory will be set up to mitigate this problem According to the government, in order to monitor this strategy to combat energy poverty, a National Energy Poverty Observatory (ONPE-PT) will be set up, whose responsibility is to define new strategic indicators at territorial level to help design and evaluate public policies , as well as propose public policies to eradicate energy poverty and draw up and propose to the government ten-year Action Plans to Combat Energy Poverty , between 2030 and 2050. There should be a review of these plans every three years and, after the presentation of the first ELPPE proposal, the strategy should be reviewed every five, starting in the third quarters of 2028, 2033, 2043 and 2048. The team carrying out these reviews will be chaired by the Directorate-General for Energy (DGEG), with operational support from the Energy Agency (ADENE), through a strategic committee and an advisory committee , made up of representatives of the different areas of knowledge of civil society in the various public domains. In this sense, ADENE has made it its priority to raise awareness and educate all citizens about energy efficiency . Read also: Portugal stands out in the EU with energy-saving measures
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