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How can we reconcile energy sobriety with the island's ever-increasing need for electricity? While part of the answer lies in the renewal of Public's EDF power plant - with the replacement of old engines with more efficient, less polluting machines - the other way to reduce energy consumption is to get everyone involved. By encouraging people to consume better.
To this end, the Chambre Économique Multiprofessionnelle (Cem) and EDF signed a partnership agreement on Wednesday October 15. The aim? To develop in Saint Barth a national scheme launched by the electricity supplier, called Agir Plus. "This measure enables private individuals to obtain state aid for the installation of high-performance energy-efficient equipment by local partner companies.by local partner companies", explains Pierre-Yves Gillot, EDF SEI (Systèmes énergétiques insulaires) Director for the Northern Islands.
Air conditioners, fans...
On the island, this type of equipment includes air conditioners, air mixers, solar and thermodynamic water heaters, and insulation work. In practical terms, this means that the French government will contribute to the cost of purchasing or replacing one of these items from selected local stores. The remainder will be paid by the individual, calculated on a case-by-case basis according to each estimate.
Agir Plus is not a new scheme. It dates back some ten years. It has already been established in Saint-Martin, for example. But it is struggling to establish itself in Saint Barthélémy, due to the extensive administrative procedures companies have to complete with the government in order to become partners. Companies have to fill in a file via a platform and then go through several stages until it is validated or not.
Cem support for administrative procedures
"It's cumbersome and time-consuming, but the companies here are often made up of small teams who can't deal with it alone," notes Sixtine Ragot, in charge of agriculture, fisheries and energy transition at Cem. This is precisely where the organization comes in. "We're going to publicize the scheme and offer interested companies support at every administrative stage," continues Sixtine Ragot. The more companies that join Agir Plus, the more Saint Barths will be able to benefit from assistance in installing responsible equipment in their homes.
At present, three companies are already listed on the EDF Internet portal, which lists Agir Plus partners. To find them, click here: https: //urlr.me/gJUbz4
Companies wishing to become partners should contact Cem: contact@cemstbarth.com or 05 90 27 12 55.
