How to change electricity contract to benefit from 15% price reduction in France
The best deals may vary depending on your energy usage and current tariff
The regulated electricity tariff in France is set to drop by 15% from February, with consequences for many electricity contracts
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The regulated electricity tariff in France is set to fall by 15% from February, which could prompt many users to switch supplier or tariff to ensure they make the most of the lower price.
Around 40% of households in France are signed up to a ‘market’ offer that differs from the standard regulatory tariff after the electricity market was opened to competition in 2007 (show figures from the Commission de régulation de l'énergie (CRE). This represents about 13.8 million households out of a total of 34.6 million.
Around 20 million are signed up to the tarif réglementé de vente (TRV), known as ‘Tarif Bleu’, at EDF; and around four million are signed up to other offers such as TRV-indexed tariffs.
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Customers whose tariff will benefit from the TRV drop may see an annual electricity price reduction of between €107-€651, reports the CRE, depending on electricity usage and household composition.
However, customers on market offers may actually see their costs rise instead of fall despite the regulatory drop, due to tax increases, meaning some may want to switch to the TRV.
There may be even more competitive offers from other suppliers including TotalEnergies, Eni, Vattenfall, Alpiq, Ekwateur, and Ohm Energie.
How can I find the best deal?
A major way to do this is to use an online comparison website. There are several available, but the official national energy ombudsman’s service is considered one of the most reliable and independent.
The comparison site will ask you to report your current electricity consumption, and it will then list all the comparable offers. The tool will ask for your PRM (Point Référence Mesure) or PDL (Point de Livraison) number to help you get the best deal. These are shown on your bill if you have a Linky meter.
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The best way to compare contracts like-for-like is to look at the overall cost per kWh, and your typical consumption levels.
There are several different types of contract, including EDF’s regulated tariff, market-indexed prices, fixed prices, and prices indexed to the regulated tariff.
Offers indexed to the TRV: One of the most similar offers to EDF’s regulated tariff, with offers indexed to it. The price per kWh is then equal to, or very close to, that set by the State. It will fall by 15% from February. Sometimes cheaper than the TRV, but it depends on the contract.
Fixed-price offers: These can offer significant savings and relative security, with guaranteed set prices for the length of the contract period (e.g. one, two or three years). Often cheaper than the TRV depending on market conditions, they may see sharp price rises at the end of the contract term.
How can I change electricity suppliers in France?
For the vast majority of contracts, all you need to do is take out the new contract with your chosen supplier.
The new supplier is then required to undertake the process of switching your account, including cancelling your current contract. The service is free and you should not have to change any of your existing equipment.
The Economy Ministry website explains: “The new supplier is responsible for cancelling the contract. This operation is free of charge, except for the network operator's charges if they are justified and comply with the catalogue of services mentioned in the contract, for example if the change requires a special meter reading.”
You should receive a closing invoice from the supplier you are leaving, and be able to recover any overpayments, within four weeks of changing contract.
