The reform of off-peak and peak hours should come into force from 2025with gradual implementation over a period of two to three years. The Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) launched consultations with electricity suppliers, network operators and consumer associations. The first changes should be visible towards the end of 2025and the full deployment could extend until 2027.
This will allow time for 15 million French people concerned by the off-peak/peak hours option to adapt to these new times.
Why this reform?
Since the 1960s, the system of peak and off-peak hours allowed consumers to benefit from a reduced rate during periods of low energy demand. This mechanism aimed to encourage the use of energy at night, when the network was less used, in particular thanks to electricity nuclear.
However, with the evolution of the electricity network and the growth of renewable energiesnotably the photovoltaic solarthe CRE deemed it necessary to adapt this system. The objective is to better exploit the electricity produced during the day, especially in summer, while continuing to relieve the network during winter peaks.
The new off-peak time slots
The off-peak hours reform will lead to several major changes:
Summeroff-peak hours will now be partly distributed during the day, when production solar is at its maximum.
Winternighttime off-peak hours will be maintained to avoid peaks in consumption during the day.
Summer (period of abundance of solar energy) 11 a.m. to 5 p.m : during the day, when photovoltaic electricity production is at its maximum. Of 23:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m : nighttime off-peak hours, making it possible to avoid consumption peaks during the night.
Winter (period of high electricity consumption) From 9pm to 7pm : maintenance of nighttime off-peak hours to lighten the load on the electricity network. Additional time slots may be considered for certain contracts, but they remain to be precisely defined depending on the area. It is important to note that these schedules may vary depending on the regions and the electricity contracts signed, but the reform aims to generalize these slots in order to better align consumption with the production of renewable electricity, in particular the solar.
So, 85% of consumers will benefit from additional off-peak hours in the afternoon in summer. These changes aim to better integrate the renewable energies in the network, while allowing consumers to continue to save money.
How can you take advantage of these changes?
If you have already subscribed to the option peak/off-peak hoursit will be essential to adjust your spending habits to maximize savings. Use energy-intensive appliances, such as making things or the dishwasherduring the new off-peak time slots will allow you to significantly reduce your bills.
Holders of a Linky meter will benefit from an additional advantage, because this meter can be reprogrammed remotely to automatically adapt to the new schedules. Therefore, no technical changes will be necessary for households equipped with this smart meter.
What are the impacts for consumers?
Although this reform is seen positively for optimizing the use of the network and renewable energies, it also presents some disadvantages for certain consumers. Indeed, consumption habits will have to be changed, which could disrupt those who used their electrical devices at night. It is therefore recommended to regularly check the new off-peak hours with your electricity supplier to adjust your behavior and continue to benefit from reduced rates.
By promoting the production ofsolar electricity in summer and by adjusting the time slots, the CRE wishes to encourage more eco-responsible consumption and in line with the evolution of energy sources. Holders of a Linky meter will be particularly advantaged, with easier adaptation of the new schedules.
