8 Ways to Save on Living Costs in France This Winter
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Loading... - Lotta Koskinen
- 03 Nov 2022
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Whether you live in France or own a French second home, it’s been impossible to ignore the rising cost of living over the past year. As we head into the winter months, concerns about rising fuel prices, energy costs, and supermarket prices are even greater, and households around France are feeling the pinch. Here are a few tips that might help reduce your monthly spending in France this winter.
1. Reduce energy consumption at home
The government has recently rolled out its “sobriété enégetique” energy-saving plan for winter, and it’s full of recommendations for households to reduce their energy consumption. Not only will you be doing your bit for France’s environmental and energy conservation goals, but you’ll be reducing your monthly energy bills, too – win-win!
Among the recommendations are keeping household heating to a maximum of 19°C (or 17°C in the bedroom) and wearing warmer clothing indoors, closing shutters at sundown (and opening them during the day to allow natural heat in), turning off unused lights and appliances (especially those that go on standby), running household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers on eco mode (and only when you have a full load), taking showers instead of baths, and turning off the wifi if you are away from home.
2. Choose an energy provider with regulated tariffs
Energy prices have been soaring around Europe in recent months, but French residents have benefitted from price caps on gas and electricity prices that have prevented rises of more than 4% since last year. These caps will remain in place until the end of the year and into 2023 – although they will rise to 15% from January.
However, it’s important to understand that these caps only apply to France’s state-run providers, EDF and Engie, and they do not apply if you use another energy provider (unless your contract is based on the regulated tariffs). For this reason, many households are choosing to switch back – if you want to do the same, all you have to do is contact EDF or Engie, and they will take care of the change. Read More...
