Government promotes energy efficiency and encourages electric mobility through protocols with municipalities
The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism defended on Faial the Regional Government's efforts to promote energy efficiency and boost electric mobility. In this regard, she stressed the importance of municipalities to implement "a strategy that follows a path of sustainability in which all play an active role."
Marta Guerreiro spoke at the signing of a protocol with Horta City Council with the aim of "fostering these practices through partnerships with local authorities, which has already taken place on the islands of Flores and Corvo" in the beginning of October.
According to the government official, the dissemination of good practices associated with energy efficiency and electric mobility should be "a collaborative process." Hence, she stressed the signing of these protocols with the City Councils, pointing out "the increasingly relevance of these matters."
"For example, we are committed to supporting awareness-raising, information and public education actions on these topics, which should be targeted at different target audiences and sectors of activity. We are also committed to installing public charging stations for electric vehicles in all the municipalities of the archipelago," stressed Marta Guerreiro.
The Secretary for Energy portfolio recalled that, for Faial Island in particular, the concession for the operation of a fast charging station for electric vehicles in Angústias has already been awarded. A collaboration agreement is being drawn up between the Regional Government and the Municipality for the installation of a public service charging station in Salão, as the proposal submitted was excluded for not complying with the minimum requirements.
The Regional Secretary stressed that the protocol now signed concerns "the promotion of positive discrimination measures for users of electric vehicles, through the "creation of specific parking spaces for electric vehicles at no cost or at reduced fees. It also focused on the promotion of electric mobility among local citizens and companies with the holding of awareness-raising actions."
Marta Guerreiro highlighted the efforts undertaken by the Azorean Government to stimulate electric mobility, recalling that "16 of the 26 lots for the installation of fast charging stations were already awarded this month, which will soon be acquired and assembled.
"As for the remaining 10 lots, the Regional Government will ensure their operation through the signing of agreements with Municipal Councils, being the main partners in the promotion of these good practices," said the Regional Secretary.