good or bad news for the consumer? We take stock

The electric car market continues to develop overall, even if it is true thatit's stagnating a bit in Europe at the moment. However, according to the latest figures from ACEA, France recorded a very slight increase last October. But everything is not simple, and the adoption of this engine faces some obstacles.

Prices regulated for five years?

And among them, the rise in the price of electricitywhich has been particularly strong for several years. Certainly, driving an electric car still remains more financially advantageous than a gasoline or diesel car despite the increases, but these still weigh on the budget of motorists. And this while many already believe that this engine still remains too expensive, despite the price reductions, which are expected to continue. And when it comes to electricity, it's the same.

According to the government, the price of energy should fall by at least 10% during the month of February 2025. A reduction which will be valid for customers who have subscribed to an offer allowing them to take advantage of regulated ratesalso known as TRVE. As a reminder, this is a price set by the public authorities, on the proposal of the Energy Regulatory Commission and which changes twice a year, in February and November.

Conversely, so-called “market price” offers are managed freely by the different electricity suppliers. Clearly, regulated prices offer more stability, which explains why they are mainly chosen by customers. But now, the competition authority is asking the government to prepare the release of this offer, as it explains in a report. She believes that the latter “ limits the development of competition in retail markets ”, because these prices “ capture a significant portion of demand » from individuals and businesses ».

The government must decide

The independent organization attached to Bercy recommends “ to prepare in a concrete way the removal of TRVwithout renouncing the public policy objectives assigned to them, but by allocating better targeted instruments to them “. But not everyone is of this opinion, starting with the Energy Regulatory Commission. In a press release just published, it asks the government “ that the regulated prices for the sale of electricity are maintained for the next five years ».

Indeed, the CRE considers that “ the major role of TRVE for consumers cannot be replaced in the short term » and considers that “ the characteristics of TRVEs make it possible to limit their impact on the French retail market “. Moreover, the figures prove consumers' attachment to this offer, since they are 59% to have subscribedwhile 16% chose offers indexed to TRVE. And this even if market offers have been much cheaper in recent months.

Beware of unpleasant surprises

The Commission notes that there is “ low mobility of TRVE customers towards market offers “. However, it does however make some proposals to improve the market. For example, the CRE “ recommends'prohibit the return to TRVE customers subscribing to a power greater than 36 kVA who left the TRVEs less than a year ago to limit short-term back and forths between the TRVEs and market offers “. She also asks better distinguish the subscription processes between the two formulas to avoid confusion.

By taking into account a power greater than 36 kVA, this rule is clearly aimed at professional customers. Individuals can therefore breathe easy: it should always be possible to freely change their electricity supplier, without respecting a minimum commitment period.

From now on, it is up to the government to decide between the demands of the two independent gendarmes. Relayed by BFM, the Minister of Energy, Olga Givernet recalls the strong attachment of the French to regulated prices, which “ play a crucial role in the proper functioning of the market, especially with the end of the Arenh “. Thus, they could still be in force for several years. As a reminder, it is currently necessary to count 0,2516 €/kWh as of November 1, 2024 for a 6 kVA base option meter but some market offers drop below €0.20/kWh.