France sees 200,000 late energy check requests in 48 hours

In France, the energy check program recorded more than 200,000 requests in the last two days of 2024, highlighting growing pressure to meet the needs of low-income households amid the energy crisis.

Partagez:

The energy check, a program introduced in France in 2018 to assist low-income households with energy expenses, faced significant demand at the end of 2024. According to the Ministry of Industry and Energy, over 200,000 requests were submitted during the final two days of December, shedding light on the challenges of energy poverty and the administrative obstacles tied to its implementation.

Administrative and social pressures

This program, offering financial aid ranging from €48 to €277, benefited 5.5 million households through an automatic distribution in April. However, households excluded from this initial wave were required to submit their requests via the chequeenergie.gouv.fr platform.

The abolition of the housing tax in 2023 complicated the distribution of energy checks. Previously, the allocation process relied on cross-referencing tax data with housing tax records to identify beneficiaries. This reform left many eligible households without support. According to the National Council of Secular Family Associations (Cnafal), up to 800,000 households might have been excluded from the program in 2024, though the government has not confirmed this figure.

Budget constraints and their impacts

Despite pressure from associations to extend the application deadline beyond December 31, no extensions were granted due to budgetary constraints. This decision was criticized by several social actors, who described the program as insufficiently accessible and efficient.

The ministry announced that final figures for the number of checks issued would be available in March 2025. For now, over 125,000 checks have been issued through the online application platform. This volume highlights the difficulties of a system that must adapt to changing economic realities and fiscal reforms.

A crucial tool for energy transition

Despite these challenges, the energy check remains a strategic tool in combating energy poverty. It supports both bill payments and financing energy renovation projects, which are essential pillars in achieving France’s energy transition goals.

The massive late-year demand demonstrates the need to review eligibility criteria and distribution mechanisms to better anticipate the needs of vulnerable households.

  • Populaires ​
Tesla Signs $560 Million Contract for Electricity Storage in China
Europe Commits Major Investments to Electricity Grids and the Clean Industrial Deal
Iraq Suspends Oil Projects Amid Regional Conflict and Strained Logistics
Europe accelerates gas storage filling despite declining reserves
Cheniere Energy Approves Expansion of Corpus Christi LNG Terminal for 2029
UK urged to accelerate electricity price reforms
The UK's Climate Change Committee is urging the government to quickly reduce electricity costs to facilitate the adoption of heat pumps and electric vehicles, judged too slow to achieve the set climate targets.
Brussels expands subsidies for low-carbon technologies and nuclear power
The European Commission will extend until the end of 2030 an expanded state-aid framework, allowing capitals to fund low-carbon technologies and nuclear power to preserve competitiveness against China and the United States.
Japan Faces Major Electricity Shortfall of 89 GW by 2050
Japan's grid operator forecasts an energy shortfall of up to 89 GW by 2050 due to rising demand from semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence technologies.
EU Approves Targeted Energy Aid for Europe’s Heavy Industries
Energy-intensive European industries will be eligible for temporary state aid to mitigate high electricity prices, according to a new regulatory framework proposed by the European Commission under the "Clean Industrial Deal."
Mauritius launches international tender for floating power plant
Mauritius seeks international investors to swiftly build a floating power plant of around 100 MW, aiming to secure the national energy supply by January 2026 and address current production shortfalls.
Spain and Portugal Strengthen Networks Following April Blackout
Madrid announces immediate energy storage measures while Lisbon secures its electrical grid, responding to the historic outage that affected the entire Iberian Peninsula in late April.
Indonesia Commits 190 Billion USD to Expand Energy Capacity by 2034
Indonesia has unveiled its new national energy plan, projecting an increase of 69.5 GW in electricity capacity over ten years, largely funded by independent producers, to address rapidly rising domestic demand.
France: Moratorium on renewables; warning about immediate industrial impact
French Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher condemns the parliamentary moratorium on new renewable energy installations, warning of the potential loss of 150,000 industrial jobs and increased energy dependence on foreign countries.
New European Battery Regulation Disrupts Europe’s Industrial Sector
The European battery regulation, fully effective from August 18, significantly alters industrial requirements related to electric cars and bicycles, imposing strict rules on recycling, supply chains, and transparency for companies.
European Parliament urges Brussels to act on energy grids
The European Parliament calls on the Commission to strengthen energy infrastructure and accelerate the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal to enhance the continent's energy flexibility and security amid increased market volatility.
Wood Mackenzie highlights advantage of regulated utilities amid data centre boom
In the United States, regulated electric grid operators hold a decisive advantage in connecting new data centres to the grid, now representing 134 GW of projects, according to a Wood Mackenzie report published on June 19.
France sets renewable energy target of 200 TWh by 2030
The French National Assembly approves a specific target of 200 TWh renewable electricity production by 2030 within a legislative text extensively debated about the future national energy mix.
United States: emissions stagnate in 2024, uncertainty under Trump administration
In 2024, US CO₂ emissions remain stable at 5.1bn tonnes, as the Trump administration prepares hydrocarbon-friendly energy policies, raising questions about the future evolution of the American market.
France: Anticipated Energy Decree, National Assembly Denounces Democratic Risk
The early publication of France's energy decree triggers strong parliamentary reactions, as the government aims to rapidly secure investments in nuclear and other energy sectors.
Spain Blackout: Analysis of Causes and European Financing Plan Approved
Seven weeks after the major Iberian power outage, Spain identifies technical network failures, while the European Investment Bank approves major funding to strengthen the interconnection with France.
European Union Sets Precise Timeline for Russian Gas Import Ban
The European Union has announced a detailed schedule aiming to definitively halt Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, anticipating internal legal and commercial challenges to overcome.
Madagascar invests in thermal power plant to counter chronic power cuts
Madagascar plans the imminent opening of a 105 MW thermal power plant to swiftly stabilise its electricity grid, severely affected in major urban areas, while simultaneously developing renewable energy projects.
India proposes virtual power purchase agreements for industrial companies
India's Central Electricity Regulatory Commission proposes a new financial instrument enabling industrial companies to meet renewable energy targets through virtual contracts, without physical electricity delivery, thus facilitating compliance management.
France Accelerates PPE with Decree Expected Before September 2025
Minister Marc Ferracci confirms the imminent publication of the energy programming decree, without waiting for the conclusion of parliamentary debates, including a substantial increase in Energy Efficiency Certificates.
Brussels increases pressure on states to guarantee affordable energy
At a conference held on June 11, Brussels reaffirmed its goal to reduce energy costs for households and businesses by relying on targeted investments and greater consumer involvement.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS