France: 86% of households say energy bills weigh on their budget, the highest level since 2007

France’s national energy ombudsman (médiateur national de l’énergie), an independent public authority that settles disputes between consumers and suppliers, published the 20th edition of its energie-info barometer on 3 November. According to the survey, 89% of households polled are worried about their energy bills and 86% say the bills weigh heavily on their budget, a share that is stable compared with 2025 but at its highest level since 2007.

The figures. 34% of households say they have had difficulty paying some electricity or gas bills, compared with 18% in 2020. Last winter, 72% limited their heating to avoid excessive bills (53% in 2020), and 35% suffered from cold at home for at least 24 hours. Summer 2026 marked a turning point: 65% suffered from heat in their home for at least 24 hours, 16 points more than in 2025 and 23 points more than in 2024. In total, 28% suffered from both cold and heat, a share that rises to 46% among recipients of the energy cheque.

Electrification. 60% of respondents see the electrification of household consumption as an economic and environmental opportunity, but upfront cost is the main obstacle, cited by 53% of those who do not plan to electrify any equipment. Investment intentions are falling: 18% plan insulation work in 2026, down from 21% in 2025, and 14% of homeowners intend to install solar panels, 4 points fewer than last year.

Generational differences. Among under-35s, 55% have had difficulty paying, yet 75% see electrification as an opportunity and 57% would sign a dynamic-price contract, against 41% on average. Among those aged 55 and over, 64% do not plan to electrify any equipment. “This barometer is a reminder that for many households energy remains a source of financial worry and that energy poverty now shows itself in winter as well as in summer,” said ombudsman Bernard Doroszczuk.

What comes next. The institution’s director general, Frédérique Feriaud, told franceinfo she expects “gas price increases at least until the beginning of next year”. The survey was carried out by the agency Mantu from 2 to 15 September 2026, online, among a representative sample of 2,000 households in mainland France.

Real-time data for the country are on the country page