Boralex Inc., an independent renewable electricity producer, has launched an initiative called “L’énergie prime par Boralex” in the communes of Ally and Mercœur, located in Haute-Loire. This pilot operation aims to support households living close to the wind and solar parks operated by the company by providing them with direct financial assistance to reduce their energy bills.
Since 25 September 2025, eligible residents have been able to receive support of up to €450 ($482), spread over a three-year period. This assistance is reserved for households meeting the eligibility criteria defined by Boralex, in collaboration with local authorities. The approach is designed to test the effectiveness of the programme ahead of a potential wider rollout to other operational sites across France.
A scheme tested on a landmark French wind site
The choice of the Ally-Mercœur site for this launch is not coincidental. Commissioned in 2005, this wind farm, operated by Boralex for two decades, was at the time of its commissioning the most powerful in France. It celebrates 20 years of operation this year and holds a special place in the company’s industrial history.
The local municipalities are directly involved in the project, expressing their wish for greater economic returns from renewable energy to be shared with nearby communities. The pilot phase will help assess the scheme’s tangible outcomes in terms of local acceptance and economic impact.
Potential expansion based on pilot results
Boralex’s stated objective is to adjust this model based on feedback from Ally and Mercœur, and then gradually extend it to other sites. The programme is built on a partnership-based approach with the local territories, through partial redistribution of the value created by existing energy assets.
For over twenty years, Boralex has developed, built, and operated wind and solar parks across France. The company describes this initiative as a step in its local engagement strategy, with a focus on operational proximity and partial profit-sharing.
