In Spain, the Energy Savings Certificate (CAE) initiative offers individuals and companies a direct financial incentive to cut energy use by upgrading to efficient home appliances or switching to electric vehicles. Instead of relying on traditional tax deductions or supplier discounts, this scheme provides a straightforward cash reward for actions that demonstrably reduce consumption, all part of a regulatory framework overseen by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge.
Under this system, energy suppliers—including those in the electricity, gas, and petroleum product sectors—are legally required to purchase certificates representing measurable energy savings achieved by third parties. The scheme operates through official digital documentation: “The CAE is an electronic certificate that verifies energy-saving measures generate a reduction of one kilowatt-hour (kWh),” according to the Ministry. For example, reducing annual consumption by 500 kWh enables a consumer to register 500 CAEs, which can then be sold to obligated energy providers in the Spanish market.
Background and operation of the CAE scheme
Introduced to help Spain meet European targets under the Green Deal and Directive 2012/27/EU, the CAE scheme is a core element in Spain’s strategy to enhance energy efficiency by 32.5% come 2030. Major energy suppliers must acquire these certificates either directly from individuals or installers who generate them, or via intermediaries. The scheme thus establishes a market-driven mechanism that recognises and values reductions in end-user energy use.
Qualifying actions for earning Energy Savings CertificatesSeveral types of projects may result in Energy Savings Certificates:
- Replacement of aging appliances such as fridges, washing machines, or ovens with modern models holding advanced energy ratings.
- Switching to efficient heating or cooling systems (for example, installing heat pumps or aerothermal units in place of legacy gas boilers).
- Installation of superior insulation measures, including high-performance windows or envelope improvements to curtail thermal losses.
- Buying an electric vehicle to replace an older petrol or diesel model.
Each qualifying action must be verified by certified installers or accredited providers who confirm the improvement meets technical criteria and is eligible under the CAE guidelines.
Monetary returns and typical compensation
Compensation for consumers varies by type and scale of saving achieved. Industry data for Spain indicates average returns as follows:
- Upgrading a household appliance may yield a payment of around €50, reflecting limited but significant annual energy savings.
- Purchasing an electric car in place of a combustion model can equate to benefits between €800-€1,500, in line with the high energy and emissions savings involved.
- Fitting an efficient heating or air conditioning system (such as an aerothermal installation) typically generates compensation ranging from €1,000 up to €3,000.
Recent examples show that in 2024, eligible households replacing multiple appliances like fridges or washing machines could accumulate up to 400 CAEs annually, leading to substantial cash returns from energy companies.
Steps to access the schemeThe Ministry for the Ecological Transition recommends:
- Checking which energy-saving actions qualify and assessing potential reductions.
- Engaging a certified installer or supplier to carry out and verify your improvements.
- Registering the CAE electronically for subsequent sale to an obligated energy provider.
Open to both individuals and businesses, this scheme encourages a broad range of energy-saving upgrades, enabling users to translate efficiency into real financial value through a regulated and transparent system.