Energy Savings Certificates (ESC Entreprise) are financial incentives offering the possibility to their beneficiaries (particularly VSEs/SMEs) to carry out energy renovation work at reduced costs. But how do these energy bonuses work, who are they for and how can you benefit from them? Focus on company CEEs for professionals.
What are company CEEs?
Business Energy Saving Certificates (CEE business) were designed by the government under the POPE law of 2005 to encourage energy suppliers as well as professionals (VSEs/SMEs) to save energy.
The principle is simple: it involves applying the “polluter pays” concept. The "obligated" (polluters) have an obligation to reduce their energy consumption. Some of them choose to finance the energy renovation work of their customers, who are then designated as "Eligible". These "Obligations" buy company ESCs which they will then distribute to the "Eligible" wishing to undertake this work.
This financial incentive aims to encourage companies to carry out energy saving work, but it also offers them the possibility of taking into account new environmental issues related to their social responsibility, as defined in article 1833 paragraph 2. of the Civil Code by the PACTE law.
The sectors concerned by the company EWC
The CEE business premium offers financial support for the financing of work aimed at saving energy in six distinct sectors:
- Agriculture
- Industry
- Networks
- Residential
- Tertiary
- Transport
Each of these categories includes standardized sheets detailing the way in which company CEEs are supported according to the total amount of energy saving work.
Who can benefit from company CEEs?
Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) are awarded to natural or legal persons who carry out actions aimed at saving energy. These beneficiaries include:
- Local authorities ;
- Businesses and other pro energy consumers.
Company CEEs are awarded in various situations. For example, this energy bonus can be useful for:
- The purchase of electric vehicles;
- thermal insulation;
- Replacement of interior lighting;
- Installation of heat recovery units;
- Renovation of the heating system, etc.
In summary, you can obtain ESCs when your investments aim to improve energy efficiency or contribute to the energy transition of your company.
How company EWCs work
The 2005 Energy Programming Law, known as POPE, aims to encourage energy savings both for individuals and professionals, by involving energy suppliers. Article 14 of this law imposes on energy suppliers the obligation to make energy savings, under pain of heavy financial penalties. To free themselves from this constraint, they have the possibility of acquiring Energy Savings Certificates (CEE).
This policy aims to encourage energy suppliers to directly finance the energy renovation work of their customers, unlike the tax credit (CITE) which is financed by the State under the energy transition law of 2015. Thus, energy suppliers can indirectly achieve energy savings by contributing to the implementation of energy efficiency projects for their customers.
Energy suppliers affected by ESCs
The law applies to all suppliers exceeding a certain threshold of sales of gas or LPG, electricity, heat, heating oil, even fuel for cars. Thus, all these suppliers are in a position to use the Energy Savings Certificate system (company CEE).
The works concerned by the company CEEs
There are more than 200 operations eligible for Energy Savings Certificates (CEE), covering the industrial, tertiary and residential sectors. In the residential sector, these aids can be used for:
- Insulation work such as windows, walls, roofs, attics, etc.
- The installation of heating systems such as pellet stoves, log stoves, inserts, air/air heat pumps, air/water heat pumps, etc.
- The installation of solar or thermodynamic water heaters.
Company CEEs intended for the tertiary and industrial sectors also cover operations specific to each area.
The steps to benefit from company CEEs
To benefit from the company CEE bonus, follow these important steps:
1. Choose an energy supplier:
- Consult the offers of the various suppliers on their site, using their simulators if available.
- Select a supplier who offers the energy bonus system and an attractive amount.
2. Accept the energy supplier's offer:
- Before starting work, be sure to formally accept the supplier's offer.
3. Choose a certified professional RGE (Recognized Guarantor of the Environment):
- Consult the directories of RGE professionals to find an appropriate specialist for work eligible for the CEE business bonus.
4. Sign the quote from the RGE professional:
- Once the RGE professional has been chosen, sign the estimate for the work to be carried out.
5. Have the work carried out by the RGE professional.
6. Send the receipts to the energy supplier:
- Send the invoices for the work carried out by the RGE professional.
- Provide the sworn statement, summarizing the work, provided by the energy supplier, duly signed by you.
Once all these steps have been completed, the energy supplier will allocate the amount of the energy bonus to you. This will be deducted from your invoice, paid by check, bank transfer, or any other means, such as a voucher.
Can a CEE bonus be combined with other aid for energy renovation?
It is possible to benefit from several EEC aids for different energy saving works, provided that they are covered by specific standardized forms. If the work you are considering is not included in these sheets, you can ask ADEME to create a specific sheet for these operations.
In addition, CEE financial aid can be combined with other financial aid schemes for your energy saving projects, which can help you obtain additional financial support.
Indeed, it is possible to combine several aids for energy renovation from different organizations for the same action. You can thus combine the Energy Savings Certificates with other financial aid offered by various organisations. Among these :
- ADEME (Ecological Transition Agency);
- Your community of municipality or agglomeration;
- Your region and your department;
- The CCI (Chamber of Commerce and Industry);
- The CMA (Chamber of Craft Trades);
- The BPI (Public Investment Bank) and others.
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