EEMSW2012 1 Assessing the Energy Savings Potential of the Household Sector in Portugal João Grilo Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus da Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal, jm.grilo@campus.fct.unl.pt João Joanaz de Melo CENSE, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campus da Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal, jjm@fct.unl.pt ABSTRACT. Energy intensity has not improved significantly in Portugal over the past two decades. Energy planning has been focused on production rather than demand-side management. The efficient use of energy is becoming more important because it is the most cost-effective way to improve both economic and environmental performance. The residential sector in Portugal uses 18 % of the total final energy and is one of the sectors with worse energy use. Previous works indicate that there is the potential to improve energy efficiency in the sector but an up to date study based on measured consumptions, habits and constructive characteristics is needed. The goal of this paper is to assess the potential for energy savings in households in Portugal, updating previous studies with some new material, and suggest policy measures to implement that potential. Two major information sources are used: (i) detailed energy audits to dwellings with cooperation of their inhabitants, including review of energy bills, house characteristics, equipment consumption, energy use habits and identification of opportunities for improvement; (ii) national statistics based on questionnaire surveys. The improvement potential is divided in upgrade of the buildings, equipment renovation and better behavior or management. An overall energy saving potential of 27 % was found, on average, corresponding to 7.9 GJ.year -1 per dwelling. There are nevertheless very significant differences between households, which must be considered when designing policies for energy saving. We were able to differentiate measures according to cost-effectiveness, different features of each household, and willingness of inhabitants to apply the measures. The results are translated into suggestions for policy guidelines and design of economic incentives. KEYWORDS. Energy efficiency; household sector; Portugal