the government suspends “aid” for the purchase of connected thermostats

The Energy Minister has announced that he will suspend the “enhancement” of financial aid for room-by-room heating control, “due to strong suspicions of fraud”.

THE “increase”of the State planned for the joint control of heating room by room has been suspended since Friday, indicated the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Energy, which reports “suspicions of fraud” linked to this system.

“Due to the strong suspicions of fraud that have been reported to me, it has become clear that fraudulent practices exist and that they jeopardize the effectiveness of the system,” explained Olga Givernet, the Minister delegated for Energy, in a statement sent to ‘AFP.

“I have therefore decided to suspend the connected thermostat boost from the end of this week while we clarify the situation,” he added.

However, aid is maintained through the system of energy saving certificates (EEC), which allow you to benefit up to 400 euros, underlined the ministry, which has started work with the sector “to strengthen controls for the benefit of families and businesses.

“Only the boost, which increased this bonus, is suspended,” the minister said. «The EEC sheet is still active and allows you to benefit up to 400 euros, depending on the size of the accommodation», he underlined.

“Strengthen controls”

“We are working closely with the sector to strengthen controls and ensure that aid gets where it is supposed to, so that consumers do not pay the price,” said Olga Givernet.

This aid was intended to encourage families to reduce heating consumption and energy bills by purchasing new connected radiator buttons, which can be programmed and controlled remotely, room by room.

It was put in place a year ago as part of the government’s sobriety plan. It could vary depending on the heated surface, from 260 euros for accommodation smaller than 35 m² up to 624 euros for 130 m² and more.

This should make it possible to reduce home heating bills by at least 15%, according to the Ignes alliance, which brings together around forty manufacturers who market electrical and home automation equipment in France. The decree announcing the end of the boost appeared in the Official Journal on Thursday.

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