Rise in energy prices, end of the regulated gas tariff, difficulties in paying bills, co-gestures… The energy mediator, Olivier Challan Belval, gives his advice to MoneyVox readers to reduce their gas and electricity bills. ‘electricity.
Olivier Challan Belval
energy mediator
The MoneyVox editorial team received many questions from readers following the 15% increase in regulated electricity and gas prices since the beginning of the year. We relayed several of them to Olivier Challan Belval, the energy mediator. He directs this independent public authority whose mission is not only to propose amicable solutions to disputes with companies in the energy sector, but also to inform consumers of their rights.
The regulated price of gas increased by 15% in January, that of electricity followed the same path in February. Is the tariff shield the best solution to protect the consumer?
Olivier Challan Belval: The tariff shield is a temporary mechanism put in place by the government to protect consumers against the sharp increase in energy prices. Other more targeted protection mechanisms, such as the classic energy check and three exceptional energy checks, have enabled to provide additional aid to the most precarious households.
Target support measures to the households that need them the most, by increasing the amount of the energy voucher for precarious households
If energy prices were to remain at a high level, maintaining the current tariff shield would be particularly heavy for public finances and it would be necessary to reflect on further protective measures taken; it would thus be possible to target the support measures on the households that need them the most, by increasing the amount of the energy check for the most precarious households, if necessary by increasing the ceiling for eligibility resources; the financial support provided to other consumers could then be reduced, allowing a more incentive price signal than the current cap of 15% increase, which could have the effect of encouraging households to make efforts to be sober, invest in energy efficiency and accelerate the energy transition.
However, it is up to the government to choose the measures it deems conducive to maintaining the protection of the most vulnerable energy consumers.
Gas and electricity: does the 15% increase in tariffs for 2023 hide another?
In 2022, the 4% increase in the regulated electricity tariff was valued at 5.4% in reality, with peaks of 11% according to the contract according to figures from the startup Lite. It estimates that some customers will see their contract increase by almost 20% this year… Can we be satisfied with this uncertainty?
O.CB.: The 4% increase in regulated electricity tariffs in February 2022 is an “average” increase on a bill including tax. The increase can thus be more or less high depending on the power and the tariff option. For example, the increase was higher for “base” contracts and lower for “peak/off-peak hours” contracts.
On the nergie-info site of the national energy mediator, tools have been put in place to enable consumers to find out if it is financially advantageous to change pricing options or offers. On February 1, 2023, the increase was 15% including tax. This is also an average increase.
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As for offers indexed to changes in market prices, can you imagine the return in 2023 of suppliers who had put their activity on hold in 2022?
O.CB.: Some suppliers have withdrawn from the market, such as Leclerc Energie. Others have been placed in compulsory liquidation, such as Bulb or Plante Oui.
Moreover, given the high prices on the markets, some suppliers decided to retain their customers, but no longer offered offers to recruit new customers. Given that prices are down at the moment, it’s likely that a number of vendors will be offering deals again.
When the regulated gas tariffs are abolished, the Energy Regulation Commission will publish a reference price each month
What conclusions can be drawn from the disputes found in 2022? Number, nature… Many individuals have seen their bills explode in 2022. Your services – like consumer associations – have denounced the practices of certain suppliers. How fast are you currently seized?
O.CB.: In 2022, the number of disputes received by the services of the national energy mediator remained stable compared to 2021 (approximately 20,000 disputes received). However, we have observed, at the same time as a decrease in certain types of disputes, an increase in disputes concerning price/tariff, which rose from 8% of disputes in 2021 to 16% in 2022.
How can consumer protection be guaranteed with the end of gas TRVs in June? Can a tariff shield exist without TRV? Is there a way not to roll back for the government while ensuring contractual security for customers?
O.CB.: Currently, the tariff shield limits the increase in regulated gas tariffs, as well as price offers indexed to these tariffs. Regulated gas prices have been frozen from November 2021 to December 2022; they have just increased by 15% (on average) on January 1, 2023. Without a tariff shield, the increase would have been 60%.
Without a tariff shield, the gas price increase would have been 60%
When the regulated gas tariffs are going to be abolished, the Energy Regulation Commission (CRE) will publish a “reference price” each month. Its method of calculation, which was defined by the Energy Regulation Commission, is similar to that of the regulated gas sale tariffs. It will be possible to continue to apply the price shield by applying a discount from this reference price.
Are you worried that the market offers proposed from July will be unfavorable to individuals?
O.CB.: When market prices were low, suppliers offered offers that were cheaper than the regulated tariffs. Currently, the price of market offers offered for subscription is the same level or higher than the regulated tariffs. When the regulated gas tariffs are abolished, the price of the offers proposed by the suppliers will most likely be fixed with an indexation on this “reference price” published by the Energy Regulation Commission.
It is necessary to compare the offers that are proposed by the suppliers
Gas, electricity… What advice can you give to individuals for the coming months?
O.CB.: THE first tip give consumers before changing the offer is to always check the price of your current contract and compare the offers that are offered by the suppliers.
electricity, gas: reduce your bill with our online comparator
To do this, I advise consumers to go to the offer comparator which has been in place for about ten years on the site of the national energy mediator, and which identifies, in a neutral and impartial manner, all the offers available. I would like to remind you that changing supplier is free, and that no fees can be charged to a consumer when changing supplier.
Switching provider is free
THE second tip that I would like to give to consumers is to always read the messages that are sent by their provider. Indeed, suppliers have the right to modify the price or the conditions of current contracts (article L. 224-10 of the consumer code), provided that they notify the consumer one month in advance; when the information given by the supplier is not sufficiently clear and understandable, I systematically recommend that invoicing be established on the basis of previous prices.
THE third tip that I can give to energy consumers is reduce their consumption through simple actionssystematic, everyday, like always turning off the light or lowering the heating when leaving a room.
But I would also like to insist on the effectiveness, when possible, of making energy renovation works, such as insulation or choosing a more efficient heating method. There are financial aids for this type of work; the “France Rnov spaces” can provide you with information.
Reduce your consumption at peak times, especially between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the evening
Last piece of advice: everyone should make an effort to avoid strain on the electrical system, especially in winter; it is therefore necessary to reduce its consumption at the time of consumption peaks, in particular between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the evening, and, in particular, do not run a washing machine or iron! I remind you that during these consumption peaks, the most polluting means of electricity production must be called upon in addition to the usual means.
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What to do if you have difficulty paying your energy bills?
O.CB.: If a consumer encounters financial difficulties, I advise him first to contact his energy supplier to explain his difficulties and request a payment schedule. In addition, he can also contact the social services of his municipality which can help him find a solution, in particular to make a request to the housing solidarity fund (FSL).
I point out that I have proposed a reform of this housing solidarity fund, so that it is directly financed by the State, rather than going through financing first by suppliers, who are then compensated by the State. .
What happens if I don’t pay my energy bill?