Inflation and rising energy prices: the French fear their bills will soar in 2024

The French have already been faced with price increases in 2023: a first of 15% last February and a second of 10%[1] in August.

In this context, the French wish to protect their purchasing power and find new defenses against this forced inflation. Energy renovation is emerging as a sustainable and effective solution to rising bills. Hellio, a leading player in energy management in France, takes stock of support solutions.

For Guillaume Loizeaud, Managing Director of the Individual Residential activity of the Hellio group: “The rise in energy prices weighs considerably on the budgets of French households, jeopardizing their purchasing power and further accentuating energy poverty and social inequalities. Last September, the government announced its intention to gradually reduce the price shield in place since the fall of 2021 on electricity. Professionals in the sector then strive to promote the energy renovation of homes to sustainably counter the inflation of energy costs by reducing bills. Hellio provides complete solutions for households and thus help them achieve real energy savings thanks to tailor-made support, while contributing to the acceleration of the energy transition. »

76% of owners want to carry out work to reduce their energy bill

A new increase of 8,6% for basic rates and 9,8% for peak-off-peak rates will apply from February 1, 2024. This increase is mainly due to the end of the rate shield implemented place in the fall of 2021 to combat increases in electricity prices.

The increase in the price of electricity should represent an increase of 18 euros per month in their bill for a family in a detached house with electric heating. Therefore, the French are particularly concerned about the consequences of these announcements. According to a study carried out by the IFOP for Hellio[2], 74% of French people are worried about the evolution of energy prices.

Energy renovation in homes is then presented as a solution allowing energy savings.

Among the main reasons encouraging owners to undertake energy renovation work, it is the reduction of the energy bill and expenses which is mentioned as a priority; this is the case for 76% of house or apartment owners.[3]

Residents of rural areas are also particularly affected by energy poverty. Indeed, the use of fuel oil for heating, associated with less insulated, larger, and therefore more energy-intensive housing, or even more regular use of the car, are factors that can lead to situations of fuel poverty.

Moreover, 54% of residents of rural areas have already given up heating their homes for budgetary reasons, compared to a national average of 42%.

To stop this phenomenon and carry out the energy renovation of their homes, the French expect support and financial support from the State.

Strengthening State mechanisms to accelerate large-scale energy renovation

At the start of the year, a new version of MaPrimeRénov', one of the main public aid schemes with Energy Savings Certificates, comes into force. Indeed, the Government's objective is to encourage large-scale works to the detriment of so-called “isolated” actions.

To carry out these projects and obtain financial aid, individuals must be accompanied by a certified professional Mon Accompagnateur Rénov'. The government intends to strengthen the system by releasing 300 million euros via the CEE, in order to finance this support for the most modest households. The objective is to reach the figure of 200.000 large-scale renovations in 2024.

If the French are inclined to carry out energy renovation work, these measures are struggling to become known. If 86% of owners are aware of MaPrimeRénov', less than one in two (47%) know precisely what it is. Moreover, only 44% of owners think that they could benefit from these financing solutions offered by the State. If the supported route is open to all categories of households, the work may be covered depending on annual resources. Up to 100% for “very modest” households, up to 80% for “modest” French people, 40% for “intermediate” households and 20% for “higher” categories.

A true trusted and neutral contact, Mon Accompagnateur Rénov' supports the household throughout its entire project: explanation of the aid available and solutions for financing the remainder, carrying out the audit, etc. The professional will also guide individuals regarding the choice work scenarios, putting you in touch with qualified professionals, including help with analyzing quotes, monitoring the project until reception and advice on eco-friendly actions.

[1] https://www.vie-publique.fr/questions-reponses/283337-le-prix-de-lelectricite-en-8-questions#:~:text=La%20hausse%20du%20prix%20de,le%201er%20ao%C3%BBt%202023

[2] The survey was conducted by the IFOP for Hellio with a sample of:

• 1.005 people, representative of the population living in mainland France aged 18 and over.
• 1.000 people, representative of the rural population living in mainland France aged 18 and over.

The representativeness of the sample was ensured by the quota method (sex, age, profession of the person interviewed) after stratification by region, by category of agglomeration / size of municipality. The interviews were carried out by self-administered online questionnaire from October 24 to 30, 2023.

[3] Odoxa survey for Hellio carried out online from July 19 to 21, 2023 on a sample of 1.505 French people representative of the French population aged 18 and over.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.