A new measure against expensive energy.
From this Monday, companies that consume large amounts of gas and electricity can apply for emergency financial aid.
Announced in mid-March as part of the "
resilience plan
", this government mechanism intended to deal with the surge in energy prices caused by the war in Ukraine finally sees the light of day, three and a half months later, after was validated by the European Commission on June 30.
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“
It aims to support the competitiveness of companies and to avoid production stoppages at the sites that consume the most gas and electricity and, in particular, those providing essential production
,” said Bercy in a press release.
“
Temporary, targeted and capped
”, it is open to all sectors of activity and takes the form of subsidies, specifies the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
To be entitled to it, companies must meet two conditions: have gas and/or electricity purchases reaching at least 3% of their turnover in 2021, and have suffered a doubling of the price of gas and/or electricity over the eligible period (March, April and May 2022) compared to an average price over the year 2021.
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A second tranche from mid-September
As for the amount of aid, it depends on the level of the companies' losses.
It thus goes from 30% of costs capped at 2 million euros, for companies suffering a drop in gross operating surplus (EBITDA) of 30% compared to 2021 or having operating losses, to 50% costs capped at 25 million euros, or even 70% of costs capped at 50 million euros for companies in the 26 industrial sectors most exposed to international competition (steel, manufacture of certain metals and glass, a large number of chemicals, synthetic rubber or paper pulp).
Companies have, from this Monday, 45 days to submit their request for assistance to the Directorate General of Public Finance, from the site impots.gouv.fr.
A second counter will open on September 15, for the June-July-August period.
Invited to France Inter this Monday morning, Bruno Le Maire announced the extension of two other support systems for businesses.
On the one hand, the state-guaranteed loan (PGE) known as "
resilience
", launched in April to support the cash flow of companies affected by the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine, "
will be continued until the end of the year
”.
A modification "
subject to the vote of the amending finance bill (PLFR)
", we temper at Bercy.
On the other hand, the support mission for companies emerging from the crisis, launched in June 2021 to support those who still have difficulties linked to the Covid-19 crisis.
"
We will maintain the mission of Mr. Pfauwadel, who is responsible for supporting all entrepreneurs who are unable to repay
," said the Minister of the Economy on France Inter.
It is thus extended until December 31, specifies Bercy.
"
In one year, nearly 10,000 companies have also been able to benefit from individualized support
", we also note at the ministry.