Unexplained restrictions by traders on household appliances that can be purchased and unexpected costs that can exceed 400 euros are leading beneficiaries of support to give up.
Beneficiaries of the E-Lar program, created to support the replacement of gas appliances with electric alternatives, are being taken by surprise with limitations and additional costs which are generating discontent and leading many to give up on the electronic voucher.
According to several complaints, some traders are restrict the supply of equipment available under the program, presenting only a small number of eligible models, despite having others in the same commercial space that meet the required criteria. The situation is raising suspicions of disguised commercial promotion riding on the program’s advertising.
The Climate Agency, responsible for managing E-Lar, guarantees that “the program does not foresee any restrictions on the part of suppliers” in the choice of equipment by beneficiaries. Still, complaints are multiplying.
Another point of friction is the mandatory delivery and assembly of purchased equipment, as well as the removal of old equipment, which prevents direct collection in store. The measure is provided for in the rules of the program itself, but the associated costs are the subject of controversy.
In groups I and II, which include beneficiaries of sustainable neighborhoods and social electricity tariffs, these charges are covered by the Environmental Fund. In group III, intended for those who only have a electricity contract, the costs are borne by the consumer. In practice, the process can represent a extra order of about 200 eurosplus 23% VAT, even after using the maximum value of the voucher of 1100 euros. Accounts done, replacement it can cost up to 450 euros more.
Additionally, some stores are charging 80 euros for removal of old household appliances, a value applied even to groups that should be exempt.
When asked about the legality of these practices, the Climate Agency simply responded that suppliers “have the responsibility to promote the collection of old equipment”, without clarifying whether they can charge for this service.
These complaints are in addition to complaints made by many consumers who applied for the program and who claim they were unable to do so due to problems on the website, inaccessible forms or lack of technical support. In , there are several reports from people who claim that these operational errors meant that they were unable to complete their application before the funds were exhausted, leaving them without the possibility of benefiting from the support.
