Gas and electricity consumption: France struggles to move from crisis alert to more structural alert

Cumulative consumption of gas and electricity from 1 year in mid-May^Eh August 2022 has decreased by 12% compared to 2018-19. Even after the radiators stopped, the French continued to use less energy than before. A month ago, the Electricity Network Manager (RTE) noted that the trickle-down effect was diminishing, but remained “Important at this time of year”. A sign that wintertime sobriety efforts could be long?

According to an opinion poll conducted by the Ipsos Institute for RTE, among a representative sample of more than 11,000 people, the results of which were published on Wednesday, July 7, 70% of respondents said they had turned down the temperature rarely. in winter, and 51% say that they have postponed the use of household appliances.

“Many gestures have been made and it is likely that they may continue. Xavier Piechaczyk, Chairman of the Board of RTE observes. Seventy-six percent of respondents said they made an effort this winter, and two-thirds said it wasn’t that hard. The term vigilance is mainly associated with positive concepts. »

“Certain Cultural Evolution”

As for local governments, some are starting to evaluate efforts to deal with rising energy prices in 2022. For example, the city of Grenoble estimates that different measures, such as eliminating constant lighting, limiting the temperature to 19°C or turning on the heating by consumers, made it possible to save about 25%. Heating and energy, electricity in municipal buildings, allowing savings of more than 400,000 euros.

“Some communities that used to struggle with turning off street lights now have a challenge when they leave them on for a long time, there’s been some cultural change, Helen Gassen, president of the association négaWatt, which campaigns for vigilance, also notes. Some intermediary players, such as chambers of commerce, have also addressed the issue. »

Converting the exam from there? For now, Alain Gassin believes France is still there “In the Middle of Ford”. “For behavioral changes to take place, much more sustained and structural policies will be needed. He explains. We cannot play only on the springs of citizens’ moral responsibility or their concerns about price. » In the aforementioned Ipsos survey, 79% of respondents cited financial reasons to explain why they reduced energy consumption, while only 20% cited the fight against global warming.