France to modify energy performance certificate calculation for housing

The French government has announced a modification to the calculation method for the Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique (DPE), the energy performance certificate for housing. According to an official decree, the conversion factor for electricity will be reduced from 1.9 to 1.7. This change is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.

This adjustment aims to narrow the gap between gas-powered heating and electric heating in energy ratings. While natural gas maintains a coefficient of 1, the reduction in the electricity coefficient is expected to mechanically improve the energy ratings of many homes.

An impact study submitted to the Conseil supérieur de l'énergie (CSE) suggests this measure will significantly reduce the number of “energy sieves” (passoires énergétiques). The study estimates a 14% reduction in energy-inefficient rental properties, affecting approximately 125,000 units, and a 10% reduction in primary residences, affecting about 300,000 homes.