The Environmental Fund has once again postponed support for windows and solar panels, and there is currently no date for the start of the payment of 85% refunds on the amount spent on energy efficiency works. DECO PROteste believes that the expectations and rights of consumers are being "defrauded".

"In view of this situation, we believe that the legitimate expectations and rights of consumers, who in this process have fully supported the investment in the energy efficiency solutions recommended by the programme, who have submitted their duly documented applications and who are awaiting a response regarding a possible refund, are being defrauded", said Pedro Silva, an energy specialist at DECO PROteste, in statements to Notícias ao Minuto.

According to Jornal de Negócios, the Government has not yet confirmed whether the evaluation phase of the applications has already started, does not commit to a date for its conclusion and does not reveal when the 85% refunds on the amount spent on energy efficiency works will be paid.

"The Environmental Fund should have ensured the necessary conditions for strict compliance with the provisions of the regulation it drew up, bearing in mind that the deadline for applications to the programme ended on 31 October. In addition to the financial issue, consumers are not even aware of the eligibility assessment of their application, an assessment that should have started from the moment the application was submitted", added Pedro Silva.

It should be recalled that it was stipulated in the Notice of the '2023 Programme to Support More Sustainable Buildings' that payments would be made from January 2024, but on 22 January 2024 it was announced that there would be a postponement in the evaluation of applications until March/April, recalls the consumer defence organisation.

For consumers in this situation, DECO PROteste advises "formally submitting a complaint to the Environmental Fund, through its complaints channel, which covers the area of consumer protection", said Pedro Silva.

"DECO PROteste, as the largest consumer defence organisation, is already following the issue and is in contact with the Environmental Fund to obtain clarifications, not neglecting possible actions to defend the legitimate interests and rights of consumers", added the energy specialist at DECO PROteste.

According to Negócios, for over six months, around 80,000 applicants have been waiting to find out if they are entitled to a refund for the energy efficiency improvement works they carried out at home, under the latest notice of the 2023 Programme to Support More Sustainable Buildings.

Leia Também: European funds? Prime Minister wants 60-day response period for applications (Portuguese version)