Thierry Cotillard, President of the Muscitar group (Intermarché), on Thursday at the POLITICO Playbook Paris Live conference, called for the suspension of energy savings certificates (CEE) following the sharp increase in fuel prices. He emphasized that immediate action may be necessary to assist consumers due to the critical situation.
Rising Fuel Prices and Pressure on Consumers
With fuel prices rising and the possibility of exceeding 2.50 euros per liter, Cotillard suggested that the government should consider suspending energy savings certificates. He said, "Clearly, we should never abandon this system, as we need funding for all decarbonization-related issues. However, in exceptional circumstances, it may be necessary to take temporary measures to return 17 cents to consumers."
Mechanism of Energy Savings Certificates
Energy savings certificates are a non-budgetary mechanism that requires energy companies to cover costs for energy savings. About 10 billion euros is allocated to support electric vehicles, energy renovation, and decarbonization of industry, but these costs indirectly affect consumers' bills.
Last spring, several fuel distributors had called for the suspension of these certificates, and the Federation of Trade and Distribution had also sent a letter to the government in this regard. Recently, with prices rising again, these requests have been raised once more.
Despite these requests, the government has so far refrained from suspending these certificates, justifying this decision to finance the energy transition. Cotillard acknowledged in an interview that after the suspension of energy savings certificates, it would be difficult for a government to restore this system, and there may be a risk of it being abandoned. He said, "I understand the political uncertainty in pressing the button."
Cotillard also expressed his opinion on the government's policy regarding targeted aid, believing that this policy is correct but should be adjusted based on price changes.
