In the gray of November and as temperatures drop, how much does heating cost us? From one fuel to another, prices vary greatly.
For those who heat themselves with oil, good news, the price of 1,000 liters of domestic fuel oil has not been this low in the fall for three years: 1,150 euros, according to the latest figures from INSEE. It was 1,375 euros last year, 1,560 in 2022.
This is directly linked to oil prices. Last year, we approached $100 per barrel with tensions in the Middle East. Two years ago, we were well above it with the war in Ukraine. These prices have therefore largely come down and that is all the better for those close to 3 million French people who heat themselves with fuel oil. We still remain well above what we have paid over the last 20 years, with prices on average for 1000 liters varying between 500 and 900 euros.
To refuel, it has long been recommended to buy your fuel oil in the summer, but due to the volatility of oil prices, this is less and less true. Over the last ten years, the price of fuel oil has reached its annual low five times in winter, its highest five times in the fall. So, at this moment, it is better to wait a little bit.
Should we change gas or electricity supplier?
And if you heat with gas or electricity, is it time to change supplier? For energy as for everything else, you have to know how to be opportunistic. So, switch when there is an interesting offer and especially cheaper than what you pay. We could even change every year, for example.
What you need to look at is whether the price is fixed and for how long, or whether it is a regulated sales price. Fixed price, you know what you pay every month, but only for a periodmost of the time, in fact, it's a year. It can be attractive at the beginning, then be much more expensive later, so be wary.
Conversely, the regulated rate fluctuates more often, but less strong, it is the old EDF tariff that the State regulates twice a year depending on prices. Many suppliers follow these prices.
If you are not afraid of paperwork, know that it is very simple to change supplier. There is no commitment period.
Finally, one detail is very important to look at beyond the price: the referral rate to the energy mediator. By doing a quick comparison on the Internet, I was offered the provider WekiWi, supplier attacked times more than others on average. The best thing is to go to the energy mediator's website to check that the supplier is as honest as possible.
Read more
