CEE grants explained: what they are and how to claim them in France

When you collect quotes for energy renovation work in France, you will regularly hear installers mention CEE alongside MaPrimeRenov'. CEE stands for Certificats d'Economies d'Energie, or Energy Savings Certificates. It is a separate funding stream from MaPrimeRenov', it works differently, and it can be combined with MaPrimeRenov' to reduce the net cost of a project substantially. This guide explains how CEE works, who pays it, and what you need to do to access it.

What are CEE grants?

The CEE scheme (Certificats d'Economies d'Energie) is a French government programme that requires energy suppliers, fuel distributors, and other large energy sellers to fund energy-saving measures in homes and businesses. These companies, known as obligated parties (obligataires), must meet annual energy savings targets set by the government. One way they meet those targets is by paying homeowners to carry out qualifying energy-efficiency work.

In practice, this means that when you install a heat pump, improve your insulation, or fit a better ventilation system, an energy company may pay a contribution towards your costs. The scheme has been running since 2006 and has become one of the largest sources of residential energy renovation funding in France, separate from and in addition to MaPrimeRenov'.

Unlike MaPrimeRenov', CEE grants are not income-tested. They are available to all homeowners, regardless of income.

What work qualifies for CEE?

CEE covers a broad range of residential energy-efficiency measures. The main categories relevant to properties on the Cote d'Azur:

• Heat pumps (air-to-air, air-to-water, ground-source)
• Insulation (roof/attic, external walls, floor)
• VMC double flux (heat-recovery mechanical ventilation)
• Solar water heating systems
• Wood-burning boilers and pellet stoves
• Thermostatic controls and connected thermostats (in some cases)
• IRVE EV charger installations in collective housing and shared car parks (through the Advenir sub-programme; Advenir does not apply to individual houses)

Each eligible measure has a standardised calculation (a fiche d'operation standardisee) that determines how many certificates the installation is worth, based on the expected energy savings over its lifetime. The value of those certificates is what the obligated party pays you.

The work must be carried out by an RGE-certified contractor for most residential measures. As with MaPrimeRenov', the relevant RGE qualification must match the type of work being done.

Who actually pays CEE grants?

This is the part that confuses most homeowners. CEE contributions are not paid by the French state or by a government agency. They are paid by private energy companies: EDF, Engie, TotalEnergies, and many smaller suppliers and fuel distributors.

These companies have legal obligations to fund energy savings. To meet those obligations, they either run their own CEE programmes (directly contacting homeowners or working through installer networks) or they purchase certificates from the market. The practical result for you is that the CEE contribution often comes through your installer, who has a commercial agreement with one or more obligated parties.

When an installer says "we can apply a CEE bonus of X EUR to this project", they are passing on a contribution they will receive from an energy company for the energy savings your installation will generate. It should appear as a deduction on your devis, not as a separate payment to you after the work.

How do CEE grants combine with MaPrimeRenov'?

CEE and MaPrimeRenov' can be combined on the same installation. This is one of the most useful aspects of the French subsidy system and one that is often underused by English-speaking homeowners who know about MaPrimeRenov' but not about CEE.

The two schemes work independently:

• MaPrimeRenov' is income-tested and is applied for through ANAH before work starts
• CEE is not income-tested and is typically arranged through your installer's commercial relationship with an obligated party

The combined effect for lower-income households can be substantial. For a heat pump installation costing 10,000-15,000 EUR, a household in the Bleu or Jaune MaPrimeRenov' income band that also receives a CEE contribution can see the net cost reduced by 40-70% depending on current rates, the specific equipment, and the obligated party's programme.

There is a rule to be aware of: the total public subsidy on a project (including MaPrimeRenov' and any other state-backed grants) cannot exceed 100% of the cost. CEE is private-funded, so it is generally stackable without this restriction, but always confirm with your installer how the schemes interact for your specific project.

How do you claim CEE?

In most cases, you do not claim CEE directly. The process works like this:

1. Your installer has a commercial agreement with an obligated party (an energy company)
2. They quote you a net price that includes the CEE contribution as a deduction
3. After the work is completed, they submit documentation to the obligated party on your behalf
4. The obligated party reimburses the installer (or pays you directly, depending on the arrangement)

The key document you need to sign is a CEE beneficiary attestation (attestation sur l'honneur), confirming that you are the property owner, that the work described has been completed, and that you have not already received a CEE contribution for the same work from another source. Your installer will provide this document.

Because the CEE amount is determined by the installer's relationship with a specific obligated party, it pays to ask several contractors what CEE contribution they can apply before choosing one. The amounts vary between obligated party programmes, sometimes significantly.

How much can you get from CEE?

CEE amounts are not fixed and vary by obligated party, programme, and the current value of certificates on the market. As a rough guide, illustrative CEE contributions for common measures:

• Air-to-water heat pump: 500-2,500 EUR, depending on system size, income band (some obligated party programmes pay more for lower-income households), and the contractor's programme
• Air-to-air heat pump (reversible AC): 200-800 EUR
• Attic insulation: 500-2,000 EUR depending on area covered
• External wall insulation: 1,000-4,000 EUR for a full house

These figures can change quickly as the market price for CEE certificates fluctuates. The figure on your devis is what matters. If an installer quotes a CEE contribution but it is not clearly stated on the written devis, ask for it in writing before signing.

Does CEE apply to second-home owners?

Yes. Unlike some aspects of MaPrimeRenov', CEE is available on both primary residences and secondary residences. There is no requirement that the property be your main home, and non-French nationals are eligible on the same basis as French residents.

The work must still be carried out by an RGE-certified contractor, and the property must be a residential building at least 2 years old. If you own a holiday property on the Cote d'Azur and are carrying out qualifying energy work, you should be asking your installer about CEE as a matter of course.

Related terms in the glossary

• CEE: quick-reference glossary entry
• RGE certification: the contractor qualification you need to check
• MaPrimeRenov': the income-tested grant that combines with CEE
• Devis: what your quote should contain, including any CEE contribution
• MaPrimeRenov' explained: full guide