Heard this morning by the Economic Affairs Committee of the National Assembly, the national energy mediator Olivier Challan Belval declared that he was in favor of the establishment of a "
right to a minimum supply of electricity"
for the poorest households. more precarious.
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In France, article L.121-1 of the energy code defines electricity as a “
staple product
”, which the mediator recalled by declaring that “
without electricity, no light, no heating, no internet or telephone access
”.
As such, the law prohibits power cuts (and gas) between November 1 and March 31 inclusive.
Concern for 2022
But the rest of the time, nothing protects the most precarious households. Thus, each year, between 200,000 and 300,000 households have their electricity supply cut off due to an overdue payment. According to the mediator's annual barometer published in October 2021, 20% of French people said they had suffered from the cold in their home during the last winter, including 36% for financial reasons. The sharp increase in energy prices observed in recent months raises fears that even more French people will be affected in 2022.
The measures taken by the government to prevent household energy insecurity - the payment of an additional energy check of 100 euros and the blocking of regulated gas and electricity tariffs at the start of 2022 - are
“emergency and short-term solutions”. term, but which do not resolve the issue of minimum access to electricity ”
justified the mediator
.