End of the State's "boost" for room-by-room heating control

"Due to strong suspicions of fraud that have been brought to my attention, it has become clear that fraudulent practices exist and that they are jeopardizing the effectiveness of the system," explained Olga Givernet, the Minister Delegate for Energy, in a statement sent to AFP.

"I have therefore decided to suspend the boost for the connected thermostat from the end of this week while we clarify the situation," she added.

On the other hand, aid through the energy saving certificates (CEE) system, which allows you to benefit from up to 400 euros, is maintained, stressed the ministry, which has launched work with the sector "in order to strengthen controls for the benefit of households and businesses".

"Only the boost, which increased this premium, is suspended," the minister said. "The CEE form is still active and allows you to benefit from up to 400 euros, depending on the size of the accommodation," she stressed.

"We are working closely with the industry to strengthen controls and ensure that aid reaches where it should so that consumers are not the ones who pay the price," said Ms Givernet.

This aid was intended to encourage households to reduce their heating consumption and their energy bills by purchasing new connected radiator buttons, programmable and remotely controlled, room by room.

It was set up a year ago as part of the government's sobriety plan. It could vary depending on the heated surface area, from 260 euros for a home of less than 35 m2 to 624 euros for 130 m2 and above.

This should reduce household heating bills by at least 15%, according to the Ignes alliance, which brings together around forty manufacturers selling electrical and home automation equipment in France.

The decree announcing the end of the boost was published in the Official Journal on Thursday.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.