The drop in quotas for energy saving certificates (EEC) has led, in 2021, to a reduction in aid for energy renovation work. Measures are announced to relaunch the system.

Three decreases in aid in 6 months

Since the start of 2021, aid for energy renovation work has continued to decline, and a further drop of 30% on average was observed on 1 July 2022. In a context of soaring energy prices, the boost for low-income households who were planning to insulate attics and roofs has in fact been removed. This third drop in 6 months penalizes both individuals, who are giving up work, and construction companies, whose activity is impacted. Many contractors notice, in fact, withdrawals on this type of work after the signature of estimate.

A dysfunctional virtuous system

Less well known than the aid from MaPrimeRénov, the CEE premium nevertheless represents the most significant aid currently available for adapting housing to the needs of energy sobriety. The objective of the CEE system is to encourage energy companies to support individuals, but also businesses and communities, in financing their energy optimization work. Proportional to income, this aid is accessible to all, provided that an „energy efficiency action” has been carried out in the accommodation or premises. But for some time now, the mechanics have been buggy, following numerous 1-euro insulation scams, but above all due to the inappropriate operation of energy suppliers. These are held by the public authorities to a multi-year objective of energy saving, defined by a certain amount of EEC. These companies exceeded the target defined for the previous period, which generated stocks and reduced, over the following period, the incentive function of the measure. The fall in the price of CEEs has resulted in a reduction in aid and, as a ripple effect, in the number of renovation sites.