France Hits Record High in Energy Bill Interventions in 2023

Over One Million Interventions for Unpaid Energy Bills

Faced with persistent high inflation and rising energy costs, more French households are struggling to pay their energy bills. In 2023, France reached a significant milestone with over one million interventions for unpaid energy bills, as reported by the national energy mediator on Friday. This represents a 3% increase from 2022 and a 49% increase from 2019, marking the highest level since records began in 2015.

Significant Number of Power and Gas Cuts

Out of the 1,000,908 interventions last year, there were 178,000 electricity cuts and nearly 87,300 gas cuts. These figures underscore the growing financial pressure on households amidst the economic challenges.

Shift Towards Limiting Power Instead of Cuts

The national energy mediator, Olivier Challan Belval, noted a shift in approach by suppliers, who are increasingly limiting electrical power rather than implementing complete cuts. This change is partly due to new regulations and adjustments in supplier practices.

Advocacy for Minimal Access to Electricity

Olivier Challan Belval has advocated for minimal access to electricity, which involves prohibiting electricity cuts for unpaid bills throughout the year for all consumers, replacing them with limitations on the power of the electricity meter. Currently, cuts are only prohibited during the winter break from November 1 to March 31. Since February 2023, new regulations mandate that suppliers must request a power limitation before proceeding with cuts or upon termination for beneficiaries of the energy check or the housing solidarity fund.

The national energy mediator continues to work towards amicable solutions for disputes between consumers and energy companies, while informing consumers about their rights.