On November 21, 2024, a decree put an end to the “Connected heating control boost” system. Key support to encourage households to adopt advanced thermal regulation systems. The cause: massive fraud and a lack of control which tarnished the initial objective of energy efficiency. This decision, although surrounded by controversy, raises questions about the means of reconciling energy sobriety and the fight against abuse. What are the impacts of this removal for households and players in the sector? How do the government and the sectors plan to adapt this system? We analyze the issues and perspectives in this article.
Summary :
The immediate impact of the end of the “connected heating control boost” system
A quick decision with immediate consequences
The decree published on November 21, 2024 in the Official Journal marks the end of the “connected heating control” boost. This deletion takes effect the next day, November 22, 2024, according to the provisions of article 4 of the decree. The system aimed to democratize the adoption of connected technologies to reduce domestic energy consumption. Thus, the aid could cover up to 80% of installation costs. However, its limited duration of existence – approximately one year – did not allow for large-scale generalization of this equipment.
Households, particularly those with modest incomes, are the first affected by this decision. In fact, connected regulation promised significant savings on energy bills. However, the removal of the device complicates access to these technologies. However, this equipment is essential to achieve the ambitious energy sobriety objectives set for 2027.
Professionals in difficulty
Companies in the energy and construction sectors also see their investments threatened.
As the IGNES press release points out, “a hasty and definitive shutdown exposes players to legal and commercial risks, particularly those who have structured an offer based on the nudge”.
This rapid turnaround risks discouraging serious companies engaged in the energy transition.
The reasons behind the deletion
A massive and costly fraud
The main reason given by the government is fraud. The “connected heating control boost” system, initially designed to be inclusive, has been hijacked by unscrupulous actors. This led to a “massive misappropriation of funds”. This drift has damaged the credibility of the program. Thus, to limit abuse, the rate of contact checks was increased to 80% for operations subject to form BAR-TH-173. However, this strengthening of controls arrived too late to avoid the suspension of the system.
Increased budgetary pressure
The difficult economic context also played a key role. With public finances under pressure, the government had to ensure that aid achieved the expected results. However, the system’s mixed results in terms of overall reduction in energy consumption were not enough to justify its maintenance. At the same time, other competing programs such as MaPrimeRénov’ already capture a significant portion of the available subsidies.
A sector mobilized to extend the “connected heating control boost” device
A unanimous reaction from players in the sector
Professional organizations, such as IGNES and the ACR union, quickly mobilized to call for an extension of the system in an adapted form.
According to their joint press release, “maintaining a strong incentive for equipment remains a priority to achieve energy sobriety objectives”.
This support is crucial to encourageinstallation of programmable thermostatswhich European regulations will make compulsory in certain cases by 2027.
A necessary overhaul
To respond to past abuses, players in the sector are putting forward concrete solutions. First, they recommend stricter targeting of eligible equipment. Then, they recommend favoring installations carried out by qualified professionals. Finally, this equipment must absolutely comply with European standards to guarantee its effectiveness.
This measure could reduce the risk of fraud while ensuring greater effectiveness of aid. In addition, IGNES, the Alliance of manufacturers who offer electrical and digital solutions, highlights another priority. She insists on the need to channel subsidies towards the most efficient equipment. Furthermore, it recommends supporting their installation by independent professionals, in order to guarantee implementation that complies with quality standards.
Towards a redesign of the system for greater efficiency
An opportunity to win back
However, the Ministry of Energy clarified that this suspension was not definitive. Thus, the system could be relaunched once it is better supervised. This represents a major opportunity to redefine a more adapted program. This must meet the expectations of beneficiaries while ensuring optimal use of public funds. In addition, an ambitious overhaul could help restore citizens’ trust. Finally, it would also allow businesses to fully re-engage in these measures.
Long-term goals
This situation highlights the complexity of the energy transition in France. In fact, the connected heating control boost aimed to encourage the adoption of connected thermostats. This equipment is essential to ensure efficient energy management on a national scale. Furthermore, with a better calibrated reintroduction, this system could play a decisive role. It would contribute significantly to the climate commitments set for 2030.
