French politicians from across the political spectrum are increasingly calling for the suspension or abolition of energy savings certificates (CEE), a regulatory mechanism designed to promote energy efficiency, in an effort to lower fuel prices amid a surge in gasoline and diesel costs linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Presidential candidates from the Republican Party, the Communist Party, and the Liberal Party, as well as the far-right National Rally, are among those advocating for the change. Bruno Retailleau, a Republican candidate, claims that abolishing CEE could reduce fuel prices by 15 to 17 cents per liter, while Fabien Roussel, a Communist candidate, argues that the program costs consumers 15 cents per liter. Retailer Michel-Édouard Leclerc, representing E.Leclerc, has proposed a temporary suspension of CEE for three months, suggesting this could ease fuel costs without compromising France’s long-term decarbonization goals. The CEE system was introduced in 2006 to encourage energy efficiency by requiring energy suppliers to fund initiatives such as home insulation, electric vehicle leasing, and industrial electrification. These suppliers must meet state-mandated energy savings targets, which they achieve by contributing financially to qualifying projects. In return, they receive energy savings certificates, which are then passed on to consumers through increased fuel prices. While the Cour des comptes, France’s audit court, estimated the CEE’s impact on fuel prices at 7.3 cents per liter in 2023, the French Union of Petroleum Industries has calculated a theoretical cost of 16.57 cents per liter including tax by September 2026. The European Union requires member states to implement energy savings obligations, and France has met this requirement through the CEE program. If France were to abolish the CEE, it would need to replace it with an alternative system, as seen in countries like Italy and Denmark. The program also plays a key role in supporting energy renovation efforts, with a budget of 6 billion euros allocated for 2025. The current government does not support abolishing the CEE, citing its importance in subsidizing vulnerable households and advancing electrification efforts. However, even if the program were suspended, it is unclear whether fuel prices at the pump would decrease by the full amount, as fuel distributors may not pass on all savings to consumers. Looking ahead, the CEE program is set to expand its energy savings targets by 27% for the years 2026 to 2030, with a budget of over 8 billion euros for 2026. Despite the calls for its suspension, the government remains committed to maintaining the program as part of its broader strategy to reduce energy consumption and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. The debate over CEE highlights the tension between short-term economic concerns and long-term environmental goals in France’s energy policy.