Indexing energy prices to household income: this is the hypothesis put forward by the Minister of the Economy, faced with the galloping increase in gas and electricity prices. The wealthiest French people might therefore pay more for their energy in 2023.
Energy prices soon to be set according to income – iStock-Leonsbox
After the tariff shield, other measures to be invented
The twists and turns of the energy crisis do not end there, generating repeated increases which undermine the budget of the French. After falling during the health crisis, prices rose once more in early 2021 due to reduced European production. The coup de grace was given by the war in Ukraine and the turmoil in the Russian gas market. The tariff shield, which was to end on June 30, 2022, will finally be extended until the end of the year. The State will therefore continue to cover the difference with the market price, a measure which has enabled households to avoid an increase of around 50% for gas and 35% for electricity. But the alert level on public finances seems to have been reached, and, according to the minister, involving the oil companies in the collective effort does not seem so simple. What will happen from 2023? For gasoline, the government is considering the creation of a fuel allowance for those who must use their car to get to work. But for electricity and gas, solutions have to be found. Adjusting prices according to income is one of the avenues under consideration. From 1 January 2023, we might therefore move from a general mechanism to a more targeted mechanism, reserving increases for those who can afford them, in order to help those who need them most.
A project to be specified, and a reduction in expenses encouraged
The government is currently preparing minds on the concept of invoicing indexed to the standard of living, and the project will have to be debated in the National Assembly. The precise terms of the new law are not yet known. In any case, and whatever the decision to come, reducing energy expenditure is one of the eco-responsible actions that everyone must reinforce. Lower the heating by at least 1°, set the water heater to 60°, avoid air conditioning, switch off appliances on standby, use LED bulbs, use the “Eco” program of the washing machine and dishwasher, avoid using the dryer, check the energy label when buying household appliances, etc. The list, far from being exhaustive, is long! When possible, carrying out work is a good way to consume less, by insulating roofs, walls and windows, and by replacing your heating system with a heat pump, a biomass boiler or a wood pellet stove. Different aid can be granted to carry out this work: MaPrimeRénov’, the eco-PTZ, the TotalEnergies bonus, 5.5% VAT, etc. And, even if the bonuses no longer exist, why not install photovoltaic panels on your roof? The gesture is good for the planet, and the installation is amortized in 7 to 8 years.
