Energy prices: in Caluire-et-Cuire, bakers explain their situation to the prefect of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Faced with rising energy prices, both VSE and bakeries – whose working tool, their ovens, consumes more energy than the others – are in trouble. Since January 2023, some monthly bills have multiplied by six or seven, sometimes more, than in 2022.

During a visit on Tuesday 10 January to two establishments in Caluire-et-Cuire, the prefect of Auvergne-Rhône-AlpesPascal Mailhos, made announcements: “Meetings have been underway since Wednesday 11 January with all the representatives of the consular chambers, to verify that everyone is updated on the information and conditions of use of state aid. The goal is that every time a craftsman asks, he has the right up-to-date information.

Laurent Wauquiez promises 6 million euros to artisan bakers

The bakers don’t want to “they suffer the same fate as the peasants”

At the Jean-Moulin boulangerie, run by Jean-Pierre Bettembourg, le energy cost has largely exceeded 3% of its turnover (5%), the threshold beyond which the artisan company can request a state contribution:

“The goal is not to receive infinite aid. We want to make a living from our business, we don’t want to suffer the same fate as farmers, who are no longer even free to set their prices”, explains the artisan baker.

The state must verify that the devices are known

Thursday 12 January the prefect will bring together all consular chambers regions, to verify that the devices are working properly: “On Friday we will report to the government the perception we have in our region and the adaptations we deem necessary. On Monday 16 January we will bring together the elected representatives of the region to inform them.

Second Pascal Mailhos, “the devices are known to the professionals who have already activated the requests, in connection with their chartered accountants, are now awaiting the returns”.

For the artisans, the problem originates from the side of the energy suppliers“that strangle us”says the baker, be it EDF, a state company or private suppliers: “On this point the government is maneuvering, it is being negotiated at national and European level”, says the prefect.