Investing Talks
Name: Rodrigo Ferrão
Age: 41
Country of birth: Portugal
City of residence: Lisbon
Biographical note:
I've had various experiences in sales and negotiation. Whilst I studied law, worked in bookshops and in customer management in the textile industry in the north of Portugal. country as an intermediary between production and some brands, dedicated to expansion North American. This was followed by a period managing and creating cultural events, then I went into the property market and finally into sales of school textbooks. I'm at Selectra for a year, where I am responsible for strategic partnerships, among other competences of a brand that is expanding enormously in our country and around the world.
Let's start our conversation by finding out a little more about Rodrigo Ferrão's history and career: childhood, youth, first steps in his professional career, first dreams...
Childhood is the best repository of memories, as it takes us to places and people that no longer exist. I was very happy between the countryside and the city, with Minho and Bairrada as my main destinations. My youth was spent realising what I wanted to be, although without any answers. This restlessness led me down an unusual path, as I had a knack for writing. Even so, my dream was to be a nature explorer, like Sir David Attenborough.
My professional career began to take shape from the moment I stopped idealising things. Obviously being a bookseller was something very romantic in life and it turned out to be essential for me to have launched a book of poems, but then came the dream of living in Lisbon. It has a privileged geographical location, facing a fabulous river and an intense light and climate that I haven't found on other trips. I came here to prepare for what will be my future, as I'm roughly halfway through my career.
Can you share a little about your experience at Selectra and how the company stands out in the sector and helps people buying a house in Portugal?
Two months after being hired by Selectra, I went to the offices in Madrid and
Seville and I saw the greatness of the company. We're outstanding leaders in Portugal and Spain, we're the No. 1 fare comparator. We have great sales people, our customer service is top notch.
evaluated with levels of excellence, there are marvellous plans for Portugal this year and it's brilliant to see new projects being born, one of my main tasks.
In one of my projects, we help people who are buying a house, because the vast majority of people don't
have any idea how complex it is to change operators or install gas. What's more,
we cater for foreigners with very different ideas from our own. I often say that it's a
Turnkey service: anyone who wants to can change their electricity, natural gas, Internet, TV, telephone, mobile phone, water or alarm contracts with us. This makes it easy to change with just one person or team.
"The savings simulation is essential. Sometimes consumers don't realise that if they change energy operator can save 300, 400 or many more euros a year!"
What are the main trends you currently identify in the energy market in Portugal?
The Portuguese consumer is more curious and adventurous when it comes to getting to know the brands that operate in Portugal. The free market gains new customers every day, with currently has around 85% of the total number: the natural tendency is for EDP to leave for other companies. There is always some resistance to change and a certain mistrust This is the result of our culture. However, more and more Portuguese are hiring other brands well-known and well-rated companies such as Endesa, Repsol or Goldenergy.
How does Selectra adapt to changes and innovations in the energy sector?
The energy sector is complex and difficult to explain, as there is a lot of hard work on our part. We are also committed to qualifying our customers, their habits and answering their questions. Our experts don't just have to know about what they're advising, but also about other things. solutions in other markets within the sector. One thing is certain: no one is left without an answer to the call Selectra, because we are always up to date with changes and trends to help us keeping us at the forefront of the market.
What are the main challenges facing Selectra in the Portuguese market?
I'd say the consumer is the biggest challenge, because there's a lot of misinformation: they complain about the wrong entity or don't understand the processes, for example. It is important to emphasise that many are linked to the companies with the highest prices, but as they are already customers have always been afraid of change. Our task is to inform, advise and help the consumers to make the best decisions by managing their contracts for them, taking all the necessary measures to save time and/or money.
In another sense, distrust of the telephone service is a cultural issue. We must demystify certain things: information over the phone is absolutely confidential and respects the data policies. The call itself serves as proof of hiring, and no the contract goes ahead without the explicit consent of the client.
Are there specific opportunities that the company is exploiting to stand out from the competition?
In Portugal there are other companies similar to Selectra, but they are several levels lower for assistance in the energy and telecommunications sectors. In addition, more and more we bet on teams that specialise in all our verticals. Imagine the huge advantage of reviewing and changing the operator of three contracts in a single call. You save time in shops, sending documents and you can understand all the solutions that suit you.
By trusting Selectra, consumers save time and take their minds off these issues. that allows them to dedicate that time to what they want or need. We are here to making life easier for consumers.
How do energy policies in Portugal influence Selectra's operations?
In the Iberian Peninsula, the energy market is part of a wholesale market of electricity. Naturally, both countries must seek co-operation strategies for the to protect them from external factors, but also from their own, since prices are conditioned on the basis of supply and demand.
This fluctuation can influence our operations, in the sense that we have to deal with the price changes. This means that we can't promise stability prices over a long period of time. My advice is to review your invoices with us at at least twice a year. The more often, the more likely you are to save.
Have any recent policies had a significant impact on the sector?
There is always one constant threat that has an impact and is hard to escape: Access Charges to the networks, which are the same for everyone. ERSE recently published an increase of 3.7% for those in the regulated market and the free market are also affected by this. Nevertheless, There is still some adversity from the war in Ukraine, as well as from the conflict between Israel and Palestine. This is a sacrifice for the consumer, as the increase is universal to all companies and markets.
How does Selectra work to improve the customer experience in the energy sector?
The pursuit of excellence is a transversal endeavour throughout the structure, such as listening to calls and quality control, as well as a commitment to training. A customer who calls for Selectra is demanding, as it has not yet made a definitive decision or simply has not knows what to do. Sometimes the solution isn't the cheapest option, because there are customers who value the company's partnerships with other companies, benefiting from a discount in sectors other than energy.
What kind of services does the company offer to educate and support consumers in making informed decisions?
Simulating savings is essential. Sometimes consumers don't realise that if they change energy operator can save you 300, 400 or many more euros a year! Who doesn't do you want this money to apply to other important aspects of life?
Then there's all kinds of information linked to consumer advice and conscious use appliances. Many people use wattage that is not in line with their consumption habits they have and pay more for it. A consumer of a telecoms package may not have been loyal for a long time and have not updated their prices, paying more than should.
We're also conscious of protecting the planet by subscribing to a product made from carbon footprint offsetting. There are consumers who want to participate in a world better and we support a project that respects sustainability and nature.
What are Selectra's future plans to continue growing and innovating in the market?
The bet on the Portuguese market is going well and we contribute a great deal important: consumer information. It goes without saying that we want to broaden the spectrum of services, always on the lookout for new verticals and partnerships. However, our The main focus is on building teams capable of answering the questions posed by the people. consumers, since we believe that this makes us stand out and will help us grow a lot for so that, in the future, no one will have to worry about their expenses.
Are there any new projects or partnerships the company is working on?
As the person responsible for launching some new projects, I'd like to emphasise one principle: only We start when we feel ready. We need to train, create teams that are dedicated to to study the service, analyse the difficulties and identify the advantages of launching every new thing.
Our dedicated Easy Move service has a huge impact and attracts many connected partnerships to the property sector, because we're dealing with people who need water, electricity, gas, etc. and internet service. We are proud to have more than a hundred partnerships, number which I intend to reinforce. However, there are always new developments and we are always working.
We'll soon have another partnership and we hope it will have an impact on the lives of our customers. Portuguese.
What are the prospects for the energy and telecoms market in the coming years?
The Iberian energy market must remain united, emphasising the importance of strengthening relations in production and distribution. It is crucial to develop a common policy to protect prices against fluctuations and dependence on external factors such as armed conflicts.
In telecoms, the challenge for the future is to overcome long loyalty periods, which result in services that are expensive and below European standards. It is crucial to reduce or eliminate this obligation for avoid continuous price increases. With recent growth above 4%, the consumers should look for more affordable options and put pressure on the main suppliers.
How does Rodrigo Ferrão see the future of the energy sector in Portugal?
It would be good to see a general reduction in prices, because it's worrying to realise that many Portuguese face the cold at home due to increases. Reducing fees, taxes and pressure on the regulated market would be beneficial. In addition, simplifying the contracting process of these services is essential, considering how far behind the neighbouring country is.
From a business perspective, it is expected that more brands and solutions will emerge, while maintaining a strong competition. Consumers will probably become more attentive, they will review contracts on a regular basis and we are here to make life easier for you.
Would you like to leave a message for the stakeholders in the property sector who read this Investing Talks section of Invest 351?
It is essential that the property and utilities sectors work together to enrich intermediation and, in general, the entire sector. With numerous domestic and foreign clients, many of whom are not have the knowledge to understand the complexities of the services and products that we provide.
At Selectra, we establish various partnerships and manage every aspect. We recognise that some services may present challenges, but we are committed to giving our face and guiding each client to find solutions. Can you imagine the number of hours needed to help someone buy/rent/build a house? The next step is to put it work! Try sending us your invoice and see for yourself how efficient we are.
