The Regional Secretariat for Energy, Environment and Tourism, through the Regional Directorate for Energy, informs that a new electricity tariff option will be available from 2018, allowing regional consumers to opt for a new measurement cycle.
 
This introduction of this tariff, through the Regulatory Entity for Energy Services, is the result of an effort carried out by the Azorean Government with this entity. It provides users with the possibility of opting for a weekly measurement cycle.
 
Designed for electricity consumers within the Regular Low Voltage grid, mostly for domestic or residential use, the new weekly measurement cycle is characterised by hourly periods in business days (including any holidays). It maintains a tri-hourly structure that includes off-peak, on-peak and full peak periods. On Saturdays, it has a bi-hourly structure in which the off-peak rate prevails, with a duration of 17 hours. On Sundays, it includes an off-peak rate for 24 hours.
 
This option provides for the increase in empty hours, that is, when energy consumption is the lowest and, consequently, energy is cheaper. This is another opportunity for consumers to adapt their profile, which allows them to reduce their electricity bill.
 
In terms of electricity supply, the introduction of a new tariff option is beneficial insofar as it is capable of influencing a correct management of demand, promoting the integration of renewable sources into the Region's electric system.
 
It is expected that a significant portion of Azorean residential consumers will adhere to this tariff. This situation may result in an effective reduction of costs in the Region's electricity system, with a considerable impact on the growing energy independence from fossil fuels. It will contribute to a positive evolution of the Azores in the sector, consolidating the Regional Government's position on the matter and promoting sustainability in its economic, environmental and social aspects.
 
It should be also noted that the Regulatory Entity for Energy Services intends to implement a pilot project directed to Special Low Voltage and Medium Voltage consumers in the near future. The project aims to improve the tariff rates currently in force, through the possible introduction of a weekly cycle for these two important consumer segments.
 
Furthermore, it should be recalled that the tariff available in the Azores so far (simple, bi-hourly and tri-hourly rates) concerned a daily measurement cycle in which the tariff is applied equally to every day of the week.