PARIS Parisian Sophie Foubert never heats his apartment above 20 degrees.
– I don’t feel comfortable in too warm. 18–19 degrees is just right. I don’t have any heating in the bedroom.
Foubert is ahead of his time. The French are being advised to keep their homes at 16–19 degrees next winter.
Energy must be saved now, because it could become a shortage next winter.
Nuclear power may not save France next winter
The French government has started a major energy saving campaign. President Emmanuel Macron wants to achieve ten percent energy savings by 2024.
There are many factors in the background, such as climate goals and striving for energy self-sufficiency, but above all the concern about running out of gas and electricity in the coming months.
France has been less dependent on Russian gas than many other European countries. A third of the natural gas comes from Norway. The share of Russian imports has been only 17 percent. Still, the chaos in the European gas market caused by the war in Ukraine is also reflected in France.
Even nuclear power does not seem to save France, which is one of the world’s largest nuclear power states. France has a total of 18 nuclear power plants, whose 56 nuclear reactors produce approximately 70–80 percent of the country’s electricity.
However, only half of the reactors are currently operational and it is not yet certain whether they will be put into use by next winter. The corona pandemic delayed maintenance activities that started years ago, and last summer’s drought damaged some of the nuclear reactors.
Right now, the start-up of the reactors is being held back by a strike by nuclear power plant workers. It creates yet another shadow over next winter’s energy situation.
The French is used to coloring
Among other things, the government plans to reduce street lighting and lower the water temperature in swimming pools by one degree. The possibility of temporary power outages has also been hinted at. In addition to public spaces, everyone, including companies and citizens, is wanted to participate in the energy talks.
In addition to homes, the French government also encourages companies to keep the temperature of office spaces at a maximum of 19 degrees. According to experts, lowering the temperature by one degree can save up to ten percent of energy.
Two thirds of a French person’s energy bill goes to home heating. The price of energy in France is at the average level of EU countries, but relatively expensive in relation to purchasing power.
In France, only about four percent of heat production is district heating. Most of the apartments are heated with gas or electricity. This is also the case in Foubert’s home, which used to be heated with gas.
Now, due to the renovation, electric radiators have been installed in the apartment. They can be real energy guzzlers.
– I don’t turn on the heating until absolutely necessary, says Foubert.
In France, buildings are often old and poorly insulated. Since heating is expensive, homes are already used to keeping them cool for cost reasons.
Indoors in Finland are warmer than elsewhere in Europe
An architect doing a dissertation on the recent history of indoor temperatures at Aalto University Frans Saraste has noticed rather large differences in the indoor temperature recommendations of different countries.
– In Finland, during the heating season, the recommendations usually vary between 21 and 23 degrees. In France, on the other hand, it is recommended to keep homes at around 16–19 degrees, says Saraste.
According to Saraste, the differences between different countries are often explained by architecture and cultural habits.
– In terms of architecture, the differences are often related to the insulation of windows and walls. And of course clothing matters and whether shoes are worn indoors, says Saraste.
According to Sarasti, it is historically new that in Finland one takes off clothes or shoes when entering.
One explanation for habits can also be found in central heating. In Finland, apartment buildings are often centrally heated, unlike in many Central European countries.
– In France, the resident receives a bill directly for his own energy consumption, which means that it can also be regulated in a different way. In Finland, heating costs may become obscured if they are merged with the housing company’s costs, Saraste says.
How does Sophie Foubert survive the winter in her cool apartment?
– Down jacket and woolen beanies. And this kind of blanket that I wrap myself in when I’m watching TV in the living room, says Foubert.
Foubert was born during World War II. In his youth, “everything was in short supply”. In his opinion, the young generation is sometimes even used to excessive comforts.
– Maybe we now have to go back in time and change our habits, says Foubert.
Are we used to too warm apartments in Finland?
According to Saraste, it’s not necessarily about that, but with the energy crisis, it might be good to get used to cooler indoor spaces.
Cool room air can also have health benefits. According to research, cooler indoor air improves sleep quality and keeps the brain alert.
– As long as we stay above the WHO (World Health Organization) recommended 18 degrees, Saraste reminds.
Government support for household energy bills
The French government has promised to support citizens with next winter’s energy costs. 45 billion euros from next year’s budget will be directed to these activities.
This means, for example, that the price of electricity and gas will rise by no more than 15 percent next winter. In addition, so-called energy coupons are going to be distributed to low-income households.
The French government has also hurried to tell about its personal contribution to energy talks. Among other things, the Minister of Finance Bruno Le Maire announced in an interview with the France Inter radio channel that he would change his tie to a polo collar if necessary.
The polo collar is now a part of the acknowledgment in France – the French love to joke at the expense of the political elite.
However, the value of a polo shirt can soon rise to an unpredictable level in France, as the coldest winter months are just ahead.
You can discuss the topic until Saturday 22 October. until 11 p.m.
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