France: New financial aid for energy renovations explained
All energy renovations in France are eligible for financial aid from October 1. We explain which work is covered and how to apply.
Until now, financial aid for energy renovations in France has only been given to low-income or very low-income households.
From October 1, this has changed. All households, including those who are 鈥渨ell off鈥�, will now be eligible for financial support through government organisation .
We explain the details.
What kind of work is eligible?
The 惭补笔谤颈尘别搁茅苍辞惫 site specifies that funds 鈥渃an finance a wide variety of work including insulation, ventilation, changes in heating methods, or an energy audit of your home鈥�.
Approved work must be completed by a company that has Reconnues Garantes de l鈥橢nvironnement (RGE) rating.
Eligible companies can be found on the government website:
Who can apply?
Homeowners' and renters' properties that are more than two years old are eligible for financial aid through 惭补笔谤颈尘别搁茅苍辞惫.
Whereas before funds were only available to low-income homeowners and renters, now anyone (including landlords) can apply for financial support.
However, funds will be given according to a sliding scale.
Housing Minister Emmanuelle Wargon told news source : 鈥淪upport will be calculated according to income, where the home is located and the type of work being done.鈥�
How much financial aid could I get?
Ms Wargon said: 鈥淔or the lowest-income homes, 90% of quoted costs could be covered, going down to 75%, 60% and 40% for those with greater financial means.鈥�
In practice, working out exact figures is a little more complicated. Nicholas Moulin president of Primes Energie explains: 鈥淥ne you have your quote you have to deduct other financial aid, if there is any, such as energy bonuses [for example the Certificat 脡conomie d'脡nergie (CEE)] or, in Occitanie, the 茅co-cheque aid.
鈥淭hen, you have to apply a percentage from 40-90% according to your financial situation. The amount you are left with will then be subject to a price ceiling, depending on the kind of work you are doing.鈥�
The price ceilings are due to be made public on October 5.
There are also limits on the number of times one household can request financial aid through the 惭补笔谤颈尘别搁茅苍辞惫 system.
The site specifies: 鈥淭he cumulative amount of aid given cannot exceed 鈧�20,000 in five consecutive years.鈥�
Online simulator can help individuals work out how much aid they could be eligible for.
The government have provided some to help households. In one, the Martin family are a couple with one child who earn 鈧�25,000 a year and live in Pas-de-Calais. Replacing their fuel boiler with a pellet boiler will cost them less than 鈧�4,500. The average cost for this work is 鈧�18,500.
How can I apply?
From October 1 onwards all quotes are eligible for this increased financial support, although funds cannot be claimed until January 1, 2021.
Applications for funds can be made on the site. Responses should be available within 15-30 days.
After a feasibility study has been done onsite, and the work has taken place, receipts can be sent to housing agency L'Agence nationale de l'habitat, who should transfer funds 2-3 weeks later.
Related stories
Understanding electricity in French homes: DIY tips
Who is eligible for home improvement grants in France?
France boosts eco renovation: How to benefi
