Is the refrigerator the top energy-consuming appliance in my home? Is my house ready for the temperature changes during winter and summer? What energy efficiency actions can I adopt? How can I monitor my household energy consumption? These and other issues were addressed in the first workshops of the Ecovale project, aimed at the population of Barcelos and Vila Nova de Famalicão; the events brought together dozens of citizens from both cities.
By August 2024, the project will promote several awareness-raising and information actions with residential consumers, focusing on the best practices in electricity consumption and equipment use.
According to estimates by the Long-Term National Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty 2021-2050, between 1.2 and 2.3 million Portuguese live in a situation of moderate energy poverty and between 660.000 and 740.000 people are in a situation of extreme energy poverty. This is something that needs to be changed. There are several national and European public policies and legislation concerning this issue, and the Ecovale project aims change the local paradigm and work closely with consumers facing energy poverty. “We will talk to people, provide them with useful information and tools that can help them change the way they address energy issues”, explained Filipe Joel Soares, researcher at INESC TEC.
Monitoring energy consumption at home is a vital step towards improving energy efficiency. In this sense, the training actions focus on different digital tools for consumption management, while addressing some concepts that allow understanding the value chain in the energy sector.
In addition to Filipe Joel Soares, the INESC TEC team involved in the sessions also features Alexandre Lucas, who stated that “energy literacy is vital to make the right decisions”. The INESC TEC researcher also provided a concrete example: “It is very important to understand the total cost of operating household electrical equipment, and that the usage time and the way the equipment’s power adapts to said usage are two important elements to improve energy efficiency. For example, when buying a refrigerator, if a person selects a larger equipment that is only half full, it will consume more than a small refrigerator – even if, per unit volume, it consumes less electricity. The analysis of monthly energy consumption and the selection of the best electricity tariff for home appliances are other concepts that can support residential customers”.
Feedback from participants has been positive, and the proposed actions are expected to contribute to certain changes: from the simplest ones, like thermal insulation of walls or ceilings, and the use of double-glazed windows, to the most effective measures like changing lamps, using energy control devices or installing solar panels.
The Ecovale project is promoted by CEVE – Cooperativa Eléctrica do Vale d’Este, with the scientific support of INESC TEC; it is funded by ERSE – Energy Services Regulatory Authority under the Consumption Efficiency Promotion Plan.
The researchers mentioned in this news piece are associated with INESC TEC.
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