Study highlights energy vulnerability in Occitanie

A study by the Insee, published on October 29, 2026, examines energy vulnerability in the Occitanie region, using data from 2021. It also explores how rising energy prices and housing renovations might affect these vulnerabilities.

Vulnerability defined by energy costs

The Insee defines energy vulnerability based on how much a household spends on energy to maintain a comfortable temperature. A household is considered vulnerable if these costs exceed 9.2% of its disposable income, which is twice the average rate observed in Metropolitan France in 2021, excluding the wealthiest households.

Disparities in vulnerability across regions

In Occitanie, 17.1% of households are vulnerable, despite only 8% of homes being classified as energy inefficient (F or G ratings). Vulnerability is more common in rural areas, where 31% of households are affected, compared to 14% in urban centers and 12% in their outskirts.

Single people and oil heating most at risk

Single individuals are especially vulnerable, with 29.6% of them affected, compared to 9.5% of childless couples and 3.3% of couples with children. Households using oil heating are also at higher risk: 45% are vulnerable, compared to 16.3% with gas and 13.6% with electricity.

Price increases would worsen the situation

If energy prices rose as they did between 2021 and 2024—47% for electricity, 65% for gas, and 35% for oil—while disposable income increased by 5%, 232,000 more households would become vulnerable. This would bring the regional vulnerable rate to about 27%, though this is not an official forecast for 2027.

Renovations could reduce vulnerability

The study models a scenario where all homes classified as F or G are upgraded to D, and half of the D-rated homes reach class B. In this case, 110,000 fewer households would be vulnerable, reducing the regional rate to 13%. Energy consumption and costs would also decrease by 20% and 14%, respectively.

Limitations of the model

The study emphasizes that this scenario is not a government-approved renovation plan. It does not account for the cost of renovations, their speed, or available financial support. The findings aim to guide public policy and help households understand the combined impact of income, insulation, heating methods, and housing needs.