To save on energy costs, we now have a choice of nearly 40 suppliers on the market (Alterna, Bulb, Butagaz, Direct Energie, Enercoop, Eni, Ilek, Mega Energie, Mint energy, etc.).
1. Find the best plan
Since this opening up to competition, two types of offers have existed: regulated prices, set by the public authorities, and market prices, freely determined by suppliers (they can be fixed for a certain period or indexed to changes regulated tariffs, etc.). As a reminder, before 2007, regulated prices were the only ones available: if you were already using electricity or gas in your home and have not changed your contract since, these are the ones that apply to you. Only EDF and Engie (and a few local gas companies) have the right to present both regulated tariffs and offers at market prices. The other suppliers only offer market rates.
2. Compare the offers and read the contracts carefully
Examine the offers and follow the evolution of regulated gas and electricity prices. "When the latter increase, it can be interesting to choose the competition by favoring market offers at fixed prices", notes Olivier Challan Belval, national energy mediator. By changing supplier in this way, you save an average of 100 euros per year, according to Lelynx.fr.
Please note: if you withdraw from a regulated gas supply offer today, you will no longer be able to return to it because the formula is in extinction: this rate has not been marketed since the end of 2019 and will be permanently withdrawn on July 1, 2023. If you abandon a regulated electricity offer, you can however resubscribe it whenever you wish (unless your subscribed power is greater than 36 kVA, which remains rare).
In addition to energy prices, study the terms of the contract (additional costs, penalties for late payment, etc.) and the cost of the subscription. Some providers offer an attractive price per kilowatt hour but a more expensive subscription than the incumbent providers. To help you, consult the independent comparator set up by the national energy mediator (energie-info.fr): you will see the cost of all the offers available according to your municipality and your annual consumption. And by the way, you can also assess whether or not to opt for Peak Hours / Off-Hours pricing, depending on your habits.
3. Beware of abusive canvassing
According to the annual barometer of the national energy mediator, 30 to 40% of French people each year are approached by an electricity or natural gas supplier. But unfortunately, not always within the rules: Engie and Eni, for example, have recently both been condemned for their bad practices (pretending to be another supplier, etc.).
Changing creameries should always be voluntary: if a company contacts you, never rush into it. And if you signed too quickly, remember that from the signing of a contract after physical or telephone canvassing, we have 14 days to retract, without having to justify a reason or to pay any penalties. "In all cases, even if you have validly signed a contract with a new supplier and regret your choice, you can change again without charge or delay", recalls Olivier Challan Belval, national energy mediator.
The expert's opinion
"Changing gas or electricity supplier is simple and free. The energy supplied remains the same, its quality does not change, and no cut is to be feared during the change. No commitment period is no more imposed. A consumer can therefore change provider at any time if his offer no longer suits him, without delays or penalties. It is the new supplier who takes care of the termination procedures. "
Thanks to Olivier Challan Belval, national energy mediator
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