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French MPs back €230m aid for households that use wood-burners for heating

The Local France
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French MPs back €230m aid for households that use wood-burners for heating
The cost of wood pellets for heating is rising. (Photo by LOIC VENANCE / AFP)

Householders in France who heat their homes with wood-burners will soon be in line for financial help with the cost of keeping warm this winter.

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During a reading of the draft budget, the National Assembly adopted a €230 million aid package for households that use logs or wood pellets for heating.

The aid package - which had support across the Assembly, and the backing of the government - is modelled on an already existing policy to help the owners of properties that use oil-fired heating systems.

From December 22nd, households heating with wood will be able to apply for a "wood energy voucher" on the cheque energie website. Aid is means-tested, but those eligible will be able to claim between €50 to €200 to help with the cost of heating their homes.

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The amendment was passed with 218 votes in favour and just one against.

According to the Agence de la transition écologique (Ademe), wood is the main source of heating for more than three million people in France. 

The price of wood-pellets used in household burners has doubled since the beginning of 2021, leaving many households struggling with the cost of fuel. 

Minister of Public Accounts Gabriel Attal also told MPs that the government was working on ways to reduce ‘profiteering’ from the rising cost of firewood, and said that officials would “not hesitate to crack down" on any cases of fraud.

READ ALSO What are the rules on fires and log-burners in France?

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