Is there help with energy costs in France?

The short answer

Many countries have a social tariff, a discount or an allowance for people on a low income, and free advice on saving energy.

📜 The rules in France

Help if money is tight

An annual voucher (about €48–277) for households below €11,000 reference tax income per consumption unit, usable for any energy bill. Sent in April; some households must apply at chequeenergie.gouv.fr. Helpline 0 805 204 805.

Chèque énergie 🔗 chequeenergie.gouv.fr

Official source: energie-info.fr · Checked 2026-09-27

Free energy advice

Free public advice on saving energy and renovating your home: online, in local France Rénov' offices or by phone on 0808 800 700. For unpaid bills, contact your local social services (CCAS) and the Fonds de solidarité pour le logement.

France Rénov' 🔗 france-renov.gouv.fr

Regulated price

Every household can take the regulated electricity tariff from EDF or the local historic supplier and return to it at any time. Prices change twice a year (February and August); CRE proposed +2.5% on average from 1 August 2026. There is no regulated gas tariff.

Tarifs réglementés de vente d'électricité (TRVE, Tarif Bleu) 🔗 cre.fr

Official source: cre.fr · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

See what existsThe schemes in France are listed below, with who qualifies.
Check if it is automaticSome discounts are applied automatically. For others you have to apply.
Get free adviceFree energy or debt advice can help you lower your bills and deal with arrears.
Talk to your supplierAsk about a cheaper tariff or a payment plan, and register as a vulnerable customer if that applies.

📇 Who to contact

Chèque énergieDiscount or support scheme for energy costsIf you have a low income or receive benefits🔗 chequeenergie.gouv.fr

France Rénov'Free advice on energy costs and saving energyWhen bills are too high or you are behind on payments🔗 france-renov.gouv.fr

Commission de régulation de l'énergie (CRE)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.cre.fr

❓ Questions

Do I have to apply?

It depends on the scheme. The details for France are on this page.

Who gets the discount if I rent?

Usually the person named on the energy contract.

Is there help for heating oil or wood?

Some countries have separate heating allowances. Ask the social services of your municipality.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

More help in France

All other problems: who handles whatWho do I contact?100+ things that go wrong — money, housing, work, safety, health, papers, government — and the one desk in France that actually handles each: phone, site, and what to say when they pick up.Before it goes wrongCan I?What is allowed, what is not, which permit you need — with the official source.Recognise it firstIs dit veilig?Check a phone number, website or message against 47,000 scam dossiers.

🤝 Is there help with energy costs in France?