Energy Poverty Rises in France

(MENAFN) Energy poverty is escalating in France, with over one-third of households facing difficulties paying their energy bills over the past year, according to a new survey commissioned by the country’s energy ombudsman.

The report, which was released as winter approaches, cautions that many families are still at risk of falling behind on their payments.

The study, published on Tuesday, revealed that 36% of households struggled to meet their energy expenses, and 35% reported living in cold homes last winter. In response to the financial strain, many respondents have adjusted their behavior to conserve energy.

Some have started using appliances during off-peak hours, automated hot-water tanks, or altered heating schedules to reduce consumption.

Around 85% of those surveyed mentioned that energy bills now take up a large portion of their monthly budgets, marking the highest level since 2007.

This growing energy hardship is occurring against a backdrop of broader economic challenges in France, including sluggish growth and financial instability.

The government’s efforts to reduce the national deficit through severe spending cuts have sparked political division. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou resigned in September following a failed confidence vote over his controversial 2026 budget plan, which aimed to save over €40 billion ($46.5 billion).

Bayrou's successor, Sebastien Lecornu, briefly resigned, citing the “absence of conditions necessary to govern,” but was later reappointed by President Emmanuel Macron.

Lecornu has vowed to move forward with the austerity budget, which proposes €17 billion in cuts and €14 billion in new taxes, despite concerns that such measures will intensify the burden on struggling households.

In response to these austerity measures, France experienced widespread protests and national strikes during September and October, with people voicing their opposition to the proposed spending cuts.

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