The Regional Secretary for Energy, Environment and Tourism stressed the joint work between the Azorean Government and all municipalities of the Region, through "a close collaboration" that will promote and disseminate electric mobility so that it may "become a reality in the life of all Azoreans."
 
Marta Guerreiro spoke in Nordeste during the signing of electric mobility protocols with the municipal councils of Vila Franca do Campo, Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande, Nordeste, Lagoa and Povoação. The ceremony was chaired by the President of the Government of the Azores, Vasco Cordeiro.
 
"When signing protocols with municipalities, we are taking a further step to foster these practices through joint work. Everyone must play an active role and, in this case, take advantage of proximity of local authorities to populations," stressed.
 
Under the protocols to be signed with all regional municipalities, "local authorities will promote positive discrimination measures for electric vehicle users, through the creation of parking spaces for electric vehicles at no cost or at reduced fees as well as the promotion of awareness-raising actions to disseminate electric mobility among local residents," stressed the government official.
 
In turn, "the Government will be responsible for organising awareness-raising, information and public education actions aimed at different target audiences and sectors of activity on these issues as well as to install public charging stations for electric vehicles in all municipalities of the archipelago," added Marta Guerreiro.
 
The Secretary for Energy folder stated the protocols signed today on São Miguel are part of an initiative that the Government already began on the islands of Flores, Corvo, Faial and Terceira. In this context, the Government intends to sign these protocols on all islands of the archipelago with the aim of "promoting and disseminating good practices in this area."
 
In her speech, Marta Guerreiro recalled that the Government already awarded 16 of 26 electric mobility charging stations in October, adding that the tender for the acquisition, assembly and maintenance of charging stations will be launched by the end of the year. According to her, it is expected that this may be a new reality on all the islands of the archipelago by 2019.
 
As for the 10 lots excluded from the tender, the Regional Secretary mentioned that the Azorean Government "will ensure their installation and exploration, through the signing of ARAAL contracts with municipalities. The process begins with the municipal councils of Lagoa, Vila Franca do Campo and Povoação" at a ceremony to take place Friday, November 16.
 
"In addition to these measures already underway," the Azorean Government is preparing a financial incentive in the form of a non-refundable subsidy for the acquisition of vehicles electric by individuals and legal persons and the purchase of charging units. Moreover, there are also fiscal incentives that may become preponderant when it comes to purchase an electric vehicle, thus promoting the adoption of electric mobility."
 
Marta Guerreiro also recalled that the Electric Mobility Plan of the Azores, as a "structuring document," is under public consultation until November 20 with a view to "promote the widespread use of electric vehicles."