In 2024, more than a quarter of French consumers have had difficulty paying their energy bills, according to the Energy Mediator, and are exposed to the threat of a power cut or power restriction for just a few devices. As a result, 75% of households heat less because of the price. But, in electricity, “only 32% know that, currently, leaving regulated electricity sales tariffs (TRV) could allow them to make savings”specifies the energy mediator. Advice to take into account even if a drop of almost 10% in the TRV is expected for February 1, 2025 or if you benefit from aid such as the energy check.
Here are the options on the table, knowing that in electricity, changing supplier is free and immediate, even in a blocked offer where the duration only binds the professional. In addition, in the event of a drop in the TRV compared to your contract, you can always return to it quickly and easily.
1. Tariff cancellation offers
When you use the energy mediator's free comparator, EDF's Tempo contract appears to be the most advantageous. The gain can exceed €500 compared to the TRV. Juicy, but not without risks. These so-called tariff reduction offers offer lower prices when electricity demand is low. Organized on the model of peak hours (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) – off-peak hours (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.), prices vary depending on the days of the year and times of use. There are 300 very cheap blue days, 43 white days where the price is the same as the TRV but also 22 red days where the price of the kilowatt hour is multiplied by three.
2. The peak/off-peak hours option
The benefit of this contract depends on your consumption. The more you shift your hours of use of the washing machine or dishwasher to “off-peak” slots, lasting 8 hours out of 24, the lower the bill. Off-peak hours concern 10 million customers who have subscribed to TRV according to EDF figures.
If the price of the kilowatt hour is offered at less than 20% of the price of the TRV, the HP/HC option loses its interest.
3. Market offers
These offers where pricing depends on the supplier's strategy can be indexed to the regulated price, and follow its fluctuations, or be indexed to the wholesale market and change every month. Currently their price is very low but, if prices rise, they will very quickly follow the same path. Regularization could be painful as in 2022 with bills multiplied by 15.
For households who wish to have budgetary visibility, fixed price offers, in which the amount per kilowatt hour is locked for 12, 24, 36 or 48 months, are a valid alternative. They have the merit of freezing the annual budget. If prices continue to fall, we might have to change. Good news, the commitment only concerns the supplier, not the customer.
