The consequences of rising energy prices are becoming increasingly serious for the French, particularly those with the lowest incomes. Faced with this galloping inflation, a recent opinionway study reveals alarming trends. Palmost half of low-income French people plan not to heat themselves this winter. Others are thinking of no longer paying their energy bills, raising the threat of an unprecedented social and energy crisis.
The state, energy suppliers and the European Union in the crosshairs
Energy is today becoming the standard of inflation for the French. As prices continue to rise, 70% of French people consider that energy is the expense that has increased the most this yearbehind food shopping. The question of responsibility for this increase is also clear: public authorities, energy suppliers and the European Union are seen as the main culprits.
The state is clearly singled out by 55% of French people. The latter judge that lowering energy prices is not a priority for the government, and that a policy more focused on their economic interests is expected (88% of respondents). Energy suppliers are not left out, accused of not adapting their offers to the financial difficulties of households. 53% of French people criticize them for not reacting to the pressing economic expectations of consumers.
Finally, the European Union is cited by 40% of French peopledecisions taken at community level being seen as an obstacle to the stabilization of energy prices. For the French people surveyed, it is above all the state (60%) and suppliers (44%) who are responsible for curbing this increase.
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A population on edge, ready to take radical measures
The study highlights a growing sense of helplessness and anger. 71% of low-income French people plan to drastically reduce their energy consumption and almost 45% plan not to heat themselves this winter. This situation is particularly worrying among French people earning less than 2,000 euros per month, for whom energy poverty is becoming a palpable reality.
Furthermore, 29% of French people with low incomes plan to no longer pay their electricity bills. This figure highlights a real risk of social tension. For some, the only possible outcome is through collective mobilization: 25% believe that a protest movement is necessary to reverse the trend and regulate the cost of energy. This feeling is shared by a significant portion of those over 65 (32%) and men (31%).
Alternative solutions to get out of the vice
Despite these gloomy prospects, the French are exploring alternative solutions to try to free themselves from rising energy prices. Among the avenues mentioned, 40% consider changing supplier as a first step, while 34% are considering self-production of energynotably through solar installations.
The adoption of more ecological behaviors is also on the agenda. 58% of French people say they want to invest in less energy-consuming equipmentet 70% intend to optimize their consumption by using more off-peak hours. These measures show that, despite their exasperation, the French remain pragmatic and ready to adapt their way of life to face the crisis.
Young people appear to be the most inclined to produce their own energy, 86% of 18-24 year olds say they are aware of renewable energiescompared to only 57% of those over 65. This awareness could be an important lever for the energy evolution of French society.
An energy future based on transparency, modernity and personalization
faced with these problems, the French expect clear and appropriate solutions. Their vision of the energy future revolves around three axes: transparency, modernity and personalization.
61% want personalized energy offers to better match their means and their particular situation. 57% demand greater transparency on pricing policies et 38% would like to have real-time information on their consumption. The expectation of increased personalization reflects a need to control daily spending, in the face of a context of increasing precariousness.
The French also show a certain interest in innovation. 73% of people surveyed say they are interested in an application allowing them to monitor and adjust their consumption in real time. This desire to become an actor in their own consumption reflects a state of mind prepared for technological changes. In parallel, 70% believe in energy production and storage via solar panelset 40% would be in favor of a terminal allowing them to resell the energy stored in their vehicle's battery.
Energy at the heart of French concerns
the current situation, marked by a constant increase in energy pricesexacerbates tensions and pushes the French to consider sometimes radical solutions to avoid falling into precariousness. State responsibility, that of suppliers and the impact of European decisions are very strongly called into question.
However, a glimmer of hope remains: the French are ready to adopt different behaviors, change suppliers, and innovate through self-production and optimized energy management. The future of energy in France will undoubtedly involve adapting to the expectations of transparency, modernity and personalization expressed by the population, in order to allow real cost control and restore consumer confidence.
