Redirection of funds from energy programs

The French government is shifting 100 million euros from energy savings certificates (CEE) to initiatives focused on electrification, while ending five programs that supported vulnerable households and local communities.

Affected programs and their managers

The affected programs include Toits d'abord, Territoires zéro exclusion énergétique, and Slime, managed by the Foundation for the Housing of the Disadvantaged, Stop energy exclusion, and Cler Solutions respectively. Bail Rénov', which advises landlords on energy renovation, is also at risk.

Non-renewal of programs and funding implications

The non-renewal of these programs was reported by Politico, alongside the end of two others that supported local communities for school thermal renovation (Actee) and mobility (Tims). These six programs are funded, in whole or in part, by energy savings certificates (CEE), through energy suppliers.

Funding cutoff and reactions

Managers of the programs were notified of the non-renewal, which means they will lose CEE funding from January 1, 2027 (2028 for Slime and Actee). The government had not responded to AFP requests by Friday afternoon. Marc Jedliczka from Cler Solutions called the decision "scandalous."

Purpose and impact of the affected programs

Territoires zéro exclusion énergétique (TZEE) aims to support very low-income families who otherwise cannot develop viable renovation projects. Toits d'abord renovates housing for households below the poverty threshold, and Slime identifies and supports vulnerable households.

Criticism of the decision

Marc Jedliczka and Christophe Robert from the Foundation for the Housing of the Disadvantaged criticized the decision, calling it "incomprehensible" given rising energy prices and the programs' role in electrification and reducing home overheating. Former minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher also expressed shock at the move.

Government justification and new priorities

The government justifies the reallocation as a strategic choice to prioritize resources for energy sovereignty. The 100 million euros previously allocated to the five eliminated programs will now support direct electrification devices like heat pumps and electric vehicles.

Impact on local communities and schools

Actee, which supported local communities in adapting to climate change, helped 6,000 schools with thermal renovations. Mayors of rural communes like Saint-Juvat and Boëseghem have expressed confusion over losing this external expertise.

Loss of support for vulnerable populations

Without specialized programs, energy-poor populations lose access to personalized support for identifying priority works, obtaining financial assistance, and reducing bills. Mass electrification risks excluding those who cannot afford costly equipment.

Broader budget cuts and criticism

The decision is part of a broader budget rationalization. Small communes lacking technical services lose their main support. Actee provided free expertise for energy works and funding applications. Former minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher criticized the move on social media, highlighting the contradiction between climate goals and reduced social support.