This help desk for paying energy bills opened on Saturday 19 November on the impots.gouv.fr website.
It was considered too complicated, hence the low distribution so far of the aid planned by the government (12 million euros out of the 3 billion planned): a new help desk for paying energy billsaimed at businesses, opened on Saturday on the website Impots.gouv.fr.
At the end of October, the executive had already made announcement of business aid.
“All businesses will be protected”
Saturday morning at the microphone of France Interthe Minister of Economy said: “All companies will be protected, mid-sized companies, energy-intensive ones…” respecting European competition rules.
The ministry also recalled that companies have until December 31, 2022 to benefit from assistance in paying electricity bills up to 4 million euros.
Simplified counter: what conditions?
It is stated that “the price of energy during the aid application period (September and/or October 2022) must have increased by 50% compared to the average price paid in 2021”. Another condition: the energy expenditure during the period must “represent more than 3% of 2021 revenue”.
At the end of the current month, additional aid must be deployed, up to 50 million euros for energy-intensive companies, or even 150 million for those working internationally.
An “electricity damper” device
In addition, on 1 January next, a system of“electricity damper” will enter into force, not requiring the constitution of a file. It is the State which will assume part of the energy sums due in 2023 by small and very small businesses. Local authorities, hospitals, associations and universities that do not have access to the price shield will also be affected by this system.
In a press release, the Ministry of the Economy recalls that taxation on electricity has been reduced to its European legal minimum. Funding for this aid will come in part from a contribution from the windfall profits of energy companieswhich should represent, according to Emmanuelle Wargon, the president of the Energy Regulation Commission, “around ten 10 billion euros in revenue for the State”.