It is an announcement in tune with the times, between the start of the winter break and the government’s measures to counter the rise in energy prices. EDF will stop cutting off electricity to households with unpaid bills outside of the winter break. Instead, the energy supplier will apply a power limitation, which is stronger than during the winter. 20 minutes takes stock of this decision.
What devices will continue to operate?
The power outside the winter break will be limited to 1kVA (the equivalent of 1000 watts). Enough “to ensure the vital needs to remain dignified”, estimates Hélène Denise, advocacy and mobilization coordinator at the Abbé-Pierre Foundation. Clearly, those sanctioned will be able to continue to light up, recharge their mobile phones, operate a small refrigerator and take a shower. Little more.
“It’s a first step”, continues Hélène Denise. This limitation, already implemented on a case-by-case basis for several years, is indeed more important than that applied in winter, where the law on the winter break makes it possible to maintain a power of 3kVA. It is therefore impossible, in the spring or in September, to connect an electric heater or a dishwasher-type appliance.
How will EDF continue to fight against unpaid debts?
The announcement comes against a backdrop of exploding energy prices which could, in the short term, increase the number of bad payers. The number of cuts “had already increased by 17% in 2019,” recalls Hélène Denise. Is EDF taking the risk of seeing payment defaults increase?
Not really. For several months, the Abbé-Pierre Foundation has been working with the supplier Plüm on an equivalent limitation. Results ? Unpaid bills have not increased, customers reacting to the limitation as to a cut, since “this minimum power is not comfortable”, tempers Hélène Denise. “It is not a measure which is so expensive, but which represents a great social advance”, she is still satisfied.
Why is EDF taking this decision now?
The winter break has just started, allowing households in difficulty to breathe. This announcement is one more security for them, with an energy check that will fall in the meantime. The question is therefore topical, especially since Wednesday, “it was the day of the fight against fuel poverty”, underlines Hélène Denise. The Abbé-Pierre Foundation had also made a request to the electricity supplier in recent weeks, “to avoid social punishment.”
“It goes in the direction of history, it is not normal that in one of the largest economic powers in the world, 300,000 people find themselves in the dark each year,” she insists. The electricity supplier indicates for its part to have “always supported its customers” and evokes “a solidarity and responsible measure in the current context”. The next step is to align the other suppliers with EDF, which represents 70% of the market. The government, which has already frozen prices beyond the only winter break, could legislate in this direction, eight years after banning water cuts.