A few hours after the signing of a letter of good practices by energy providers, Bercy announced that a “negotiator” dedicated to new professional contracts will be hired in the coming days. Its role: to help industrial companies in their relations with energy providers, the Delegate Minister for Industry, Roland Lescure, announced on Wednesday.
“We do not want the industry to be a collateral victim of the war in Ukraine”, explained the minister after the meeting held in Bercy with the gas and electricity providers. The latter have been called upon to adopt best practices in their relationships with clients, particularly professionals.
It is up to the ministry to “systematize” the support that has already been implemented on a case-by-case basis with companies in difficulty such as the Arc window, a large energy consumer.
Only “the most difficult cases” examined in Bercy
The ministry wants companies experiencing tense negotiations with their suppliers to first approach the restructuring and prevention of business difficulties (CRP) commissioners, positioned with the regional prefects, before turning to Bercy. “The most difficult cases” can be examined at Bercy and, if necessary, passed on to this negotiator, explained Rolland Lescure.
The main gas and electricity marketers have signed a letter of good practices that includes 25 commitments, aimed mainly at SMEs. They promise, for example, to notify customers two months before the expiration of their contract, and they will also have to offer at least one offer to their customers so that no company is left without a contract. For its part, the State will facilitate the subscription of gas and electricity contracts to companies by providing its guarantee.
Source: BFM TV
