Energy poverty is gaining ground in France, a finding that should not improve with the expected rise in energy prices.
For now, one in five French people say they have suffered from the cold in their home this year.
A figure up by nearly 50%, a survey of the energy mediator revealed on Tuesday.
"The situation is worrying", warned the national energy mediator as part of its annual barometer, highlighting an "increase in the number of households in a situation of energy poverty".
Thus, nearly 20% of the households questioned declared having suffered from the cold for at least 24 hours in their accommodation, whereas they were only 14% in 2020.
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Poor insulation and a harsh winter are cited among the main causes of this situation.
60% of French people have assured that they have also reduced heating at home to reduce their bill.
A figure that has doubled in two years.
"We can fear an increase in cuts for unpaid bills at the end of the winter break," March 31, warned the national energy mediator Olivier Challan Belva, quoted in the press release.
Gas prices increasing by nearly 60%
In 2021, a quarter of French people have already encountered difficulties paying certain gas and electricity bills, but the proportion rises to almost half among 18-34 year olds.
Since the start of the year, regulated gas prices have increased by 57% and the price of electricity is affected by these movements.
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Jean Castex: the government will "block the price of gas"
The government has decided to freeze gas prices from the beginning of October until April, in order to constitute a "tariff shield" in the face of its constant increases.
It will also limit the next increase in electricity prices to 4%, scheduled for February 2022. The survey was carried out online among 2,016 households by the institute becoming.