Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Selectra , a specialist in energy tariffs, made several calculations where it finds a remarkable variation in energy consumption related to the cooling of homes, depending on the devices used , having sent them in a statement to the newsroom of SUPERCASA Notícias . In order to answer how much is, on average, the cooling in the electricity bill of three family configurations in two different markets, it was possible to reach the conclusion that the regulated market is, on average, about 6.20% more expensive. In these calculations, tax-free base price values were used. For a family configuration without children, the use of a fixed air conditioner was considered. For families with two children, two fixed air conditioners and a ceiling fan were incorporated. Finally, for families with four children, two fixed air conditioners, two ceiling fans and a portable air conditioner were included. With regard to appliances that give the greatest weight in energy expenditure, a clearer picture of the actual costs associated with each type of cooling is presented. Thus, it was possible to identify that fixed air conditioning is the least economical option, followed by portable air conditioning and, finally, the ceiling fan. These analyses aim to provide consumers with transparent and detailed information to make informed and prudent decisions regarding energy consumption and choices to cool their homes. By fully understanding the options available and their associated costs, families will be able to take effective measures to save energy and reduce expenses without compromising their comfort. Some recommendations have also been put together to help consumers achieve this goal successfully: Place the air conditioner at a temperature between 24 ºC and 25 ºC, as each degree that lowers the energy consumption will increase by 8%; 80% of air conditioning consumption results from cooling the air it collects. It is therefore much cheaper to use a fan which, although it does not cool the air, makes it circulate; Roll down the blinds or close the curtains to prevent the house from being heated by the sun . It is also important that all windows are closed when the air conditioning is switched on and that the rooms which do not need to be cooled are closed; If you are buying an air conditioner, make sure you have an A energy label . If this is A+++, energy savings will be around 40%; Unplug appliances that are not in use, as leaving them in stand-by accounts for 10% to 16% of household electricity consumption, so it is advisable to unplug as many of them as possible; Enjoy natural ventilation in the cooler moments of the day , such as early morning or late afternoon; Check that the house has good thermal insulation as it will prevent unwanted heat from entering and ensure that the internal temperature remains more stable; Like the tips? Follow the SUPERCASA Notícias for more similar information
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The municipality of Porto was able to meet all the recycling targets it had committed to in 2023, reaching the record recycling rate of 43% . This means that, on average, each port will have separated 78 kilos of waste over the year, with more than 10 thousand tons of organic waste being collected. Porto exceeded all recycling targets in 2023, with each port separating, on average, about 78 kilos/inhab.year [per inhabitant per year] of packaging waste against the target of 60 kilos/inh.ano, which allowed to achieve a rate of preparation for recycling of 43%, well above the 31% established as a national goal , indicates the municipality, celebrating the implementation. With this goal achieved, it was possible to avoid about 17 thousand tons of CO2, positioning Porto at the forefront in the fight against climate change . The significant increase in selective collection is one of the most determining factors for this goal, having been collected more than 2,050 tons in 2023, which is an increase of 5.8% compared to 2022. The municipality points out that in the field of the three flows, the growth was 6.9%, especially the 7,210 tons of glass collected, 4.6% more than in the previous year, contrary to the national trend of decrease. For these historical values, the reorganization and reinforcement of the installation of selective deposition equipment were decisive, along with the elimination of exclusive points for undifferentiated , with 1,300 ecopoints available in the city for the deposit of organic waste. Other topics related to Sustainability that we recommend you to read: Light can go down on average 7% from June and Companies prioritize sustainability, but lack investment
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction EDP Comercial announced on Monday 8 April that it will be reducing its electricity and natural gas bills from June onwards. As a result, monthly electricity bills may fall by 7 per cent, while natural gas bills are expected to fall by 14 per cent , due to the impact of falling prices on the free market, which has improved conditions . The price of electricity will fall by 10 per cent , according to EDP, while natural gas will fall by up to 20 per cent, creating an impact on the final price that is much more limited by the component of network access tariffs . Last week, Galp also announced a drop in electricity and natural gas prices on average. This drop started at the beginning of the month, with prices falling by an average of 28 per cent for electricity and 19 per cent for natural gas, with the justification, like EDP, being that the wholesale electricity and natural gas markets currently have low prices. Follow other similar topics: Natural gas social tariff: 3.1% discount to be maintained
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction The wholesale electricity market has been suffering a decrease in its prices, relieving electricity traders who buy it directly from producers. This relief may mean that the year is lower prices compared to the last decade, although there are warnings from the sector about possible obstacles to the viability of renewable projects. In this sense, there is a need to balance the market , for which solutions such as batteries arise, a restructuring of the market or the attraction of large consumers. Pedro Amaral Jorge, president of APREN - Portuguese Renewable Energy Association, points out: the way the Iberian market works, whenever renewables can supply [the needs of] an hour, the price [of the hour] is zero, which happened even at the beginning of April, with a few hours close to marking negative values. On the producers side, it is a problem that we will have to solve (...) nobody can sell at zero something that costs money, points out the leader of APREN, stressing that this is a situation unsustainable from a financial point of view , because according to current price projections, as indicated by Pedro Amaral Jorge, no investor will want to invest . Thus, to allow the contracting of renewables, it will be necessary to design a system that compensates renewable plants and prevents prices from falling to zero. Related: Renewable energy community: Coimbra presents proposal
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Tax and Customs Authority will now include appliances, machines and other equipment designed to capture and utilise energy in the reduced VAT rate of 6%. This change includes not only the purchase of this type of equipment, but also its installation, repair and maintenance. By reducing the tax, an incentive is created for Portuguese families who dont yet have this type of appliance in their homes, facilitating access through a less significant investment. In the circular published by the Tax and Customs Authority, the reduced VAT rate covers the acquisition, supply and installation, maintenance and repair of appliances , machinery and other equipment intended exclusively or mainly for the capture and utilisation of solar, wind and geothermal energy and other alternative forms of energy. This includes, for example, solar, thermal or photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and heat pumps , which also include reversible air conditioners. On the subject of sustainability, we recommend New energy efficiency directive receives EP approval , Renewable energy community: Coimbra presents proposal and Energy certificates: how they work and their importance
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction This Tuesday, at a meeting of the Coimbra City Councils Executive, the proposal to create a renewable community through the concession of the roofs of various social housing estates in the municipality for the installation of 1,500 photovoltaic panels will be discussed. This installation is expected to save 47 per cent on energy costs. It will therefore be proposed that the roofs of buildings in the Ingote, Misericórdia, Fonte da Talha and Parque Nómada neighbourhoods, as well as those of the Algar and Pedrulha municipal buildings, be concessioned, benefiting 370 families. According to the proposal, the concession for the roofs will be for a period of 20 years , in order to guarantee immediate savings for the residents of the neighbourhoods covered, as well as for the consumers who will be part of the renewable energy community (CER), since it benefits anyone who lives within a two-kilometre radius of the installed panels. With this measure, families can save up to around 30,000 euros a year, municipal buildings 10,500 euros a year and the rest of the CER members up to 9,500 euros. Read more: New energy efficiency directive receives EP approval , How to maximise natural resources in construction
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate announced this Tuesday in Diário da República, the order that anticipates the submission of the proposal for natural gas tariffs for the period between October this year and September 2025. Thus, the social tariff for the regulated natural gas supply will remain in force in 2024, maintaining the 31.2% discount applied to the transitional tariffs for sale to final customers, from which the applicable VAT, taxes, contributions and default rates are excluded. Thus, from October 1 of this year, the discount will be applied, being, as stated by the Secretary of State, Ana Fountoura Gouveia, a measure urgent and unavoidable , being the Regulatory Entity of Energy Services (ERSE) responsible for submitting the proposal, which should present by the end of March. The social tariff is a mechanism for protecting economically vulnerable consumers and combating energy poverty, translated into an important instrument of public policy and social justice, ensuring access to this essential service with less financial effort and greater tariff stability for this universe of consumers, as indicated in the dispatch. The same law states that the operationalization of the measure will consist of an automatic application of the discount in the tariff of access to gas networks at low pressure, allowing the increase of the its scope, ensuring its applicability regardless of the intervention of its beneficiaries. Related topics: Do you know how much you spend preparing food at home? Discover , Renewable energy reaches one of the best European registers and ERSE recommends consumers to consult simulators
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Youre getting closer to the final goal: formalising the deal to sell your house. At this stage, the first thing you need to do is get all the necessary documents in order, including deeds, energy certificates, building licences and any other relevant paperwork. By organising these papers, even before the deal is formalised and the promissory contract signed, youll save time when the time comes to go ahead with the deal. This proactivity should come from you, regardless of whether or not you are being accompanied by a real estate agency. However, it is most likely that, while the publicity processes and visits to the property are taking place, the agency accompanying you will ask you to start gathering this essential documentation. But lets break it down. Do you have an interested party for your property? Well tell you what to do from here! Discuss the sale price of the house Youll need to start negotiating as soon as someone expresses an interest in the house youre selling. From the outset, and if youve followed all the steps weve explained to you in previous articles, namely Valuing the property when selling: how and why , you should have already set a final value for the sale , however, and because many buyers like to haggle, this can be a changeable figure. Even so, you shouldnt lower or raise the price just because you have to . In negotiations, you should always set a reasonable minimum target that you cant go below, and negotiate according to this. Once youve agreed on the price, make sure you have all the documents well talk about below so that you can finally proceed with formalising the deal. What documents you need to have in order to proceed with the sale If youre not familiar with the bureaucracy associated with selling a house or know little about the property market and how these procedures work, all you need to know is that, in order to go ahead with the sale, you must have in your possession a series of important documents, required by law during the sale process, to formalise the sale: - Up-to-date permanent land certificate - Caderneta predial urbana - Licence to use - Technical data sheet for the property - Energy certificate - Property description - Building plans - Deed of sale - Citizens card Well explain what each of these documents is about. Updated permanent land certificate You can obtain this document from the Land Registry Office , which basically allows you to c onsult the entire history of the property - with information about construction, inheritance or possible associated liens. Caderneta predial urbana In this document, youll have access to all the information about the property from a fiscal point of view , namely the owner of the property and its tax value, as well as its location and characteristics. This will be one of the most important documents for formalising the deal through the promissory contract of sale. Using the urban land registry you can calculate the Municipal Property Tax (IMI) and the Property Transfer Tax (IMT), so its essential to keep it up to date. Licence to use The purpose of this document is to prove that the property has been previously inspected and is in full compliance with the work carried out, projects approved by the competent authorities and the legal regulations in force , as well as to prove the suitability of the building or autonomous fraction for the intended purpose. Property technical sheet This technical sheet will give you information on the technical and functional characteristics of an urban building for residential purposes , once the construction or reconstruction work has been completed. It can be requested from the National Civil Engineering Laboratory and the Directorate-General for the Consumer, and the requirement for obtaining it is that the buildings have been built or have undergone extension, construction or reconstruction work after 30 March 2004. Energy Certificate This is a document where you can find not only an assessment of the propertys energy efficiency, on a scale from very inefficient (F) to very efficient (A+), but also information on the propertys characteristics , such as insulation, types of ventilation, air conditioning and hot water production, and their effect on energy consumption. It also includes improvement measures that suggest ways to lower energy consumption and an indication of the tax benefits and types of financing available. Property description You only need to present this document if there is a mortgage associated with the property , which is presented at the time of the public deed when the property is transferred, as it proves the cancellation of the mortgage associated with the house you are trading . It is a document issued by the bank. Property plans These drawings of the property describe its constitution, in terms of rooms, available spaces and other elements that can help with the sale of the property, as they will give you a complete view of the house and its areas . You should have this document in your possession, as i t may be requested by the bank from the property buyer when applying for a home loan, or by the buyer themselves when making their decision. Deed of sale This document is mandatory in order to proceed with the sale of a property, as it verifies the conditions of the previous transaction. Once these documents have been gathered, you will move on to the crucial stage of the process of selling the house, which is formalising the deal. You can find out all about this in the next SUPERCASA Notícias article!
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction According to the press release sent to SUPERCASA Notícias , REN - Redes Energéticas Nacionais recorded a solid operating performance in 2023, both domestically and internationally. EBITDA increased by 5.5% to €514.0m in 2023, as a result of the improvement in domestic activity (+€19.3m), where a reduction in operating costs stands out; as well as the positive contribution of international activity (+€7.4m). Net income totalled €149.2m, with recurring net income reaching €125.0m (+15.1% compared to 2022). This performance is the result of improved operating activity (EBITDA +26.7M€) and financial results (+3.4M€), despite the increase in the average cost of debt. It also reflects non-recurring effects, namely the recovery of revenues from international activity and tax impacts. The increase in operating activity was accompanied by a 4% growth in internal teams , with the companys current staff having been strengthened to 748. The strong increase in CAPEX, to €301.5M (+49.6% on the previous year), reflects RENs focus and commitment to the energy transition and its support for the countrys energy policy. Transfers to RAB also accelerated in 2023, with growth of €59.3m (+36.3% compared to the previous year), with the recovery of some project delays recorded in 2022. Net debt (excluding tariff deviations) fell by 4.8% to €2,421.2m, despite the average cost of debt rising to 2.5% (1.8% in 2022). In February 2024, REN issued its second green bond, totalling 300 million euros, with a maturity of 8 years and demand 7 times higher than supply. In 2023, according to the information SUPERCASA Notícias had access to, electricity consumption remained relatively stable (50.7TWh) compared to the previous year, while natural gas consumption fell by 20.7 per cent (to 49.0TWh), the lowest figure since 2014. Energy from renewable sources accounted for 60.6 per cent of total energy supply (49.3 per cent in 2022), a record year in Portugal, broken down by 25 per cent wind, 23 per cent hydro, 7 per cent solar and 6 per cent biomass. Also noteworthy was the 43 per cent growth (compared to the previous year) in solar energy production , with REN playing a key role in the process of integrating these renewable sources into the national electricity system, making it possible to meet the targets for the transition to renewable energy sources. Sustainability remained one of RENs priorities in 2023. The company updated its approach after conducting a new stakeholder consultation, directing efforts towards combating climate change, investing in Natural, Human and Social capital, and adopting responsible governance practices. Read on: Portuguese reveal concern about mobility and Electric cars: how does home charging work?
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction REN - Redes Energéticas Nacionais , the operator of Portugals electricity and natural gas transmission networks, and Atlante, the NHOA Group company dedicated to fast and ultra-fast charging for electric vehicles , signed a Memorandum of Understanding today, February 1, for the development of five projects in Portugal using the speed-E grid connection solution, developed and patented by REN, at selected Atlante fast charging stations, according to a statement sent to SUPERCASA Notícias. Speed-E is an innovative mobility solution that allows electric vehicles to be charged directly from the electricity transmission network , i.e. from Very High Voltage lines. By allowing direct connection to the transmission network, in addition to providing energy for charging electric vehicles , the solution paves the way for the expansion of charging infrastructures to locations where it is present. In Portugal, this represents an extension of approximately 9,000 km. The solution guarantees the simultaneous supply of energy to several fast and/or ultra-fast chargers, while its modular architecture also allows for the customization and progressive scalability of projects, keeping pace with customers energy requirements and the ever-increasing penetration of electric vehicles. The partnership between REN and Atlante will result in the worlds first fast charging stations for electric vehicles powered directly by very high voltage transmission lines. This demonstrates Atlantes commitment to implementing the most advanced technological solutions , offering electric vehicle users a charging experience without limits, while mitigating the growing global demand for energy. For João Faria Conceição, RENs COO, this partnership reflects RENs ability to develop solutions for the energy transition, contributing positively to the decarbonization of society. Atlante is an obvious partner for speed-E in Portugal, not only for its vast experience in the charging sector but also for recognizing, from the outset, the strategic potential of this innovative tool to promote faster and safer charging of electric vehicles, mitigating future challenges related to a greater need for energy availability. Keep up to date with more topics like this in SUPERCASA News
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Despite continuing to move in the direction of decarbonization , the buildings sector is still responsible for 33% of final energy consumption and around 18% of total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). In this sense, and according to ADENE - Agência para a Energia, it is necessary to continue to insist on strategies to combat GHG emissions, as well as investment in energy rehabilitation , with a view to achieving all the goals set for 2050. These targets are included in the 5th progress report of the coordination group for the Long-Term Strategy for Building Renovation (ELPRE), approved by the government and in force since February 2021. According to ADENE: This path towards decarbonization is the result of the current energy mix and some efforts in terms of energy rehabilitation of the national building stock. The results obtained may undergo some adjustments in the coming years as they have been affected by a number of factors, including changes in consumption patterns due to the Covid-19 pandemic, upstream changes in energy production, the end of the use of coal in the electricity generation system and widespread increases in energy prices, also a consequence of the war in Ukraine. Based on the data in the report, the organization mentions that primary energy consumption in the buildings sector has already fallen to around 4.2% , with CO2 emissions down to 44.1%. On the other hand, the percentage of renovated buildings will be close to only 2% compared to 2018 . Objectives and targets set by ELPRE According to ELPREs report, there are 9 objectives to be achieved by 2050, including a 34% reduction in primary energy consumption, a 63% increase in local renewable energy production and a 77% reduction in GHG emissions. To achieve these goals, some of the following measures must be implemented: Creation of an action plan to implement the actions envisaged in the ELPRE action axes under preparation; Creation of a concrete action plan for the rehabilitation of the public administrations housing stock; Strengthening and creating more financial mechanisms and tax benefits for renovation and energy efficiency; Improving the information available on the building stock. Other sustainability topics you might like to read about: Electricity production forecast to grow the most in 30 years , Bioarchitecture: the trend thats here to stay and What ESG is and How to apply it in your real estate company
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!
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