Following the implementation of a communal mutual insurance and home insurance, the city of Créteil is introducing a new initiative to protect its residents' purchasing power: a collective purchasing group for electricity and gas, designed to substantially lower household bills and address energy poverty.
Fossil fuel prices continue to soar amid an increasingly unstable geopolitical context, affecting all households, especially the most vulnerable. In Créteil, the municipal action is driven by the conviction that social justice is the cornerstone of community living and collective progress. While 43,000 "housing equivalents" already benefit from a price shield through the urban heating network, with further extensions planned until 2032, not all Cristolien households have access yet. Therefore, the City is initiating a new group purchasing scheme to offer all residents the opportunity to substantially reduce their energy bills by the end of the year.
To this end, a one-year renewable agreement was signed with Écodigo at the end of June. This service provider will negotiate with various gas and electricity suppliers to secure more advantageous and stable rates for pre-registered households, along with effective guarantees. Actions to combat energy poverty will also be undertaken within the framework of this agreement.
Pre-registration is free and non-binding, open from September 1st to October 31st. Interested Cristoliens need to have their latest electricity or gas bills ready. This offer also extends to the City's and CCAS's employees, as well as artisans, traders, and small businesses located in Créteil, whose needs are similar to those of individuals (excluding professional subscriptions).
Étienne Jallet, president of Écodigo, explained: "The higher the number of participants, the more leverage we will have with suppliers to obtain the best prices." While the exact most competitive rate cannot be predicted, the provider estimates average savings of between €150 and €180 per year per household.
Once the pre-registration period concludes, a call for tenders will be launched. A judicial commissioner will ensure the transparency and security of the procedure. The winning offers will be presented to pre-registered individuals from November 16th onwards, with an estimate of potential savings. To subscribe, individuals can visit www.creteil.groupe.fr, book one of the individual appointments offered, or contact Écodigo at 01 87 52 13 11 or via email at creteil@groupe.fr.
Mirroring the communal mutual and home insurance, this innovative solution is based on a timeless adage that resonates particularly in the current international context of division and uncertainty: unity is strength.
