Europe 1 with AFP 10 p.m., November 10, 2021
The National Energy Mediator took a stand on Wednesday for a minimum right of access to electricity for the most precarious households, stressing that it was a "staple product". In this perspective, the track of a right to a minimum food, the modalities of which remain to be defined, must be explored ", declares Olivier Challan Belval, in a press release.
The National Energy Mediator took a stand on Wednesday for a minimum right of access to electricity for the most precarious households, stressing that it was a "staple product".
“Like the right to housing, water or the right to open a bank account, it is necessary to guarantee a minimum right of access to electricity. right to a minimum food, the modalities of which remain to be defined, must be explored ", declares Olivier Challan Belval, in a press release.
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The winter break from electricity and natural gas cuts
"Without electricity, no light, no heating, no access to the internet, nor to the telephone. It is not acceptable, in a country like France, that households can find themselves in such a precarious situation and poverty, ”he argues. November 1 marked the start of the winter break from electricity and natural gas cuts for 5 months, but energy suppliers will again be able to cut off the energy of homes in default from April 1. .
The Mediator's position statement comes on the very day of the first national day against fuel poverty in France.
In his latest barometer published in October, the Mediator reported that 20% of French people said they had suffered from the cold in their homes during last winter.
The government recently announced measures in the face of an increase in energy prices which concerns the whole of Europe: a check for an additional 100 euros for precarious households, freezing the increase in the price of gas and limiting that of the gas tariff. electricity.
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"Emergency and short-term solutions"
These are "emergency and short-term solutions, but which do not resolve the issue of minimum access to electricity," said Olivier Challan Belval.
He recalls that the energy code defines electricity as a "staple product" but that each year between 200,000 and 300,000 homes see their power cut due to an unpaid.