Some energy suppliers offer interesting offers in France, which are cheaper than the regulated tariffs applied by EDF and Engie for electricity and gas. But if they seem attractive, they can quickly change.
Energy prices have risen sharply in recent months in France. Some households have therefore been able to be tempted by the attractive rates offered by certain alternative gas and electricity suppliers in order to save money before the onset of winter, reports Capital.
These attractive prices can be explained in particular by the summer season, favorable to a drop in consumption. Suppliers other than Engie and EDF are therefore less dependent on the Spot market, on which they must buy electricity 24 hours in advance. They can therefore offer more attractive offers.
Be careful in winter
To limit the impact on the portfolio of French people, price increases have been capped at 4% in 2022 for electricity and gas prices have been frozen since October 2021. These measures only concern the two official suppliers, EDF and Engie . For the others, who propose market offers, only a verbal commitment has been made with the government.
Today, some alternative suppliers offer lower prices than those regulated. But vigilance is essential. You can opt for a discount offer, but there is no guarantee that when cold days arrive, the bill will not be revised upwards, as we saw at the end of last year, warns Franois Carlier, deputy general manager of the CLCV , the National Association of Consumers and Users.
electricity, gas: reduce your bill with our online comparator
Monitor your emails
Some households have already experienced setbacks of this kind with their supplier, like Mint Energy. Their energy contract was indexed on the wholesale European electricity market, sending bills skyrocketing. The CLCV therefore advises staying at the regulated tariffs, the only ones to be blocked.
In the event of subscription to a discount offer, it is advisable to choose a supplier who indexes its prices to the regulated tariffs. You should also regularly check the emails sent by your supplier, who must give at least one month’s notice of each price change. It is always possible, legally, to return to the regulated tariffs when desired for an electricity contract. A possibility that does not exist for the regulated gas tariffs which must disappear within a year.
MAKE SAVINGS ON YOUR ENERGY BILL