Objective: smooth consumption peaks. The government will unveil its “energy sobriety” plan on Thursday, targeting businesses, the public sector and consumers.
Recalling in a document summarizing the measures that “reducing energy consumption is a long-term goal to achieve carbon neutrality and get out of our dependence on fossil fuels”, Elisabeth Borne quotes RTE: the network operator explains in its forecasts that a reduction of 40% in France, energy consumption is necessary to fight against global warming before 2050. Therefore, the sobriety plan must embody the first milestone. All without any real obligation, or almost, for companies or consumers.
On the consumer side
To promote sobriety among those who allow themselves to heat without counting this winter -energy poverty affected 5.6 million households in France last year according to a ministerial calculation-, the Government wants to bet on a “sobriety bonus” that would lower bills: several energy companies have agreed to offer a discount to households that limit their gas and electricity consumption (such as Engie, or EDF, which will reduce prices during off-peak hours and charge more during peak hours) .
Another bonus incentive: MaPrimeRenov’. It can amount to 9,000 euros to change from a gas boiler to a heat pump in an individual home; The aid makes it possible to reduce the cost of connecting to a collective network by up to 250 euros. €15,000 can be released to install a wood pellet boiler in the home, and €9,000 for an air/water heat pump. 2,500 million, in total, will be invested in 2023 in the system.
Finally, the executive trusts the information: RTE will launch an “electric weather forecast” in the media, including BFMTV.
On the side of state and local authorities
The Government claims its “exemplarity” and has taken several measures in relation to the public service: the heating will be lowered from 19 to 18 degrees in case of high voltage in the network, and working hours may be staggered. Being 19 degrees the maximum temperature established everywhere, in public and in private.
The flat-rate teleworking subsidy will also be increased by 15% to cover the increase in energy prices from the beginning of 2023. Civil servants’ journeys must also not exceed 110 km/h.
City councils are responsible for reducing the consumption of public lighting, the number of heated square meters and the temperature of sports equipment, from the heating of gyms to swimming pools.
They will benefit from a “green fund” from 2023, endowed with 1,500 million euros, to lead the ecological transition. It must accompany them in their transition to LED lighting -one of the most recommended measures- or in their actions in terms of mobility, such as support for carpooling. They will also receive aid to carry out audits and carry out public lighting or swimming pool renovation projects.
business side
In addition to global measures, such as limiting heating to 19 degrees, companies are not subject to precautionary measures, except for compliance with the decree published in October, which requires the doors of businesses to be closed when they have heating or air conditioning. .
Optimizing lighting, heating the building -especially during off-peak hours or when the building is closed- and digital uses, which represent 21% of consumption, are encouraged.
At their level, various industries open to the public have opted for actions that concern them: commerce, hotels, congresses, theme parks, ski areas and thermal centers. The saving of water, heating and lighting is at the center of the respective plans.
Source: BFM TV
