Since the end of the regulated gas price on June 30, 2023, the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) has published a benchmark price. The publication of this indicator, initially planned for one year, was renewed after positive feedback from certain suppliers, associations and consumers. Always with the same objective: to serve as a compass for consumers to choose an offer.
Why a gas benchmark price?
A year ago, as the regulated gas price disappeared, the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) launched the publication of the gas benchmark price. Its goal is to serve as a guide for consumers to compare offers. Like a reference rent, this benchmark price is supposed to avoid very high offers. This indicator published every month is made up of a subscription price and a price per kwh.
Indicative data provided by the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE)
The benchmark price is indicative, recalls the CRE. “Suppliers freely construct their offers based on their supply conditions, their commercial choices, but also the contractual conditions they offer. Thus, for example, the price of a fixed price offer over one year is likely to differ significantly from the CRE benchmark price which reflects monthly and quarterly variations in the price of gas.
Indicative data provided by the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE)
Consumers can opt for an offer indexed to this benchmark price or an offer that follows market prices. Note that those who had subscribed to an offer at Engie’s regulated rate and who have not made a change are still subscribed to the gateway offer, which is based on this benchmark price. The number of those concerned is decreasing, but there were still just under 2 million consumers in this case in May 2024, according to the CRE.
“This benchmark price becomes a commercial argument for suppliers in a sector where consumers will seek stability, it is an index which has become important on the market while contracts are difficult to read,” notes Lucile Buisson, energy project manager. , transport & environment within UFC-Que Choisir.
Because suppliers choose whether or not to index their offers to the benchmark price. “During the first quarter, an average of 14 suppliers proposed 27 different natural gas supply offers. Of these offers, 53% were fixed prices, and 33% were indexed to the benchmark price of natural gas,” indicates the CRE in its latest retail market report.
Mathilde SIRE
After training in journalism at the IUT of Lannion, Mathilde Sire worked in Ouest-France, as a freelancer for online media, press… Read more
