Engie on Tuesday announced the launch of an energy scheme in France which will allow eligible low-income citizens to buy new gas boilers for as low as €1.
According to the company's statement, the 'Energy Purchasing Power' will enable French households to replace their old heating equipment with modern, more efficient types that deliver energy savings of up to 20 percent and provide improved comfort.
This plan is part of the 'Coup de pouce chauffage' (Heating boost) initiative launched in January by the Ministry for the Ecological and Inclusive Transition, and the Habiter Mieux Agilite (Live Better Agility) aid from the Agence Nationale de l’Habitat (or ANAH - the French National Housing Agency), Engie said.
One of the offers available under the plan enables the lowest-income households to purchase new gas boilers from €1 including VAT and installation.
Low-income households, on the other hand, can take advantage of this offer at a cost from €299 including VAT and installation, Engie added.
In both cases, the price corresponds to the excess to be paid by the household after deduction of ANAH's Habiter Mieux Agilite aid and the Coup de pouce chauffage subsidy, according to the statement.
'ENGIE Home Services will manage the cash advance necessary so that these households have nothing to pay apart from the excess,' it added.
For all other households, ENGIE Home Services offers for example a package from €49 including VAT per month for 60 months, that includes the purchase of the equipment installed with a 0%-interest loan and subscription to a maintenance contract. This amount includes the Coup de pouce chauffage subsidy.
In all cases, the company will support the households in the administrative processes to obtain the aids.
Engie also plans to include other offers into the plan throughout the year, such as reduced-interest loans for the installation of heat pumps or high-performance radiators, or the replacement of inefficient equipment such as old electric convection heaters or oil-fired boilers.
According to the statement, the Coup de pouce chauffage subsidy is financed entirely via Energy Savings Certificates (ESC), and has no impact on the state budget.
This scheme, in place since 2006, encourages French citizens to undertake energy efficiency work with the financial support of energy suppliers, who in turn meet the obligations set by the government.
By Hale Turkes
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr