The decree stipulates that the tax (excise) will mechanically rise on February 1 to its pre-crisis level, adjusted for inflation, i.e. €33.70 per megawatt hour for individuals compared to €22 currently, but without any additional increase, therefore allowing the regulated price to reflect the drop in international market prices.
“The tax increases provided for in the initial finance bill do not come into force”
The initial budget proposal presented by Michel Barnier planned to increase this tax to obtain 3.4 billion euros in order to fill the public deficit, which would have had the effect of limiting the reduction in household bills to 9%. This flagship measure of the finance bill had been forcefully contested in Parliament by both the RN and LFI and LR voices, fearing for users' bills. In a final concession to avoid the fall of his government, Michel Barnier renounced this increase on November 28, without however avoiding censorship a few days later.
56% of subscribers will benefit from it
The decree published on Saturday “concerns the end of the tariff shield which had been put in place following the sharp increases linked to tensions on the electricity market in 2022 and 2023”, it was explained in the entourage of Minister of Industry Marc Ferracci, contacted by AFP. “The tax increases provided for in the initial finance bill do not come into force” and “the reduction in electricity prices should be, as announced by the Prime Minister on November 28, 14%.” in 2025,” we added.
Electricity prices have fallen sharply on the markets and the 22.4 million households and businesses with regulated sales tariff contracts (TRV), or 56% of subscribers, will therefore benefit despite the end of the tariff shield.
