France: Agnès Pannier-Runacher warns of the risks of excessive increases in electricity taxes

France: Agnès Pannier-Runacher warns of the risks of excessive increases in electricity taxes

Partagez:

The Minister for Ecological Transition and Energy, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, warned against the consequences of an excessive increase in the electricity tax. Speaking this Sunday on France 3, she emphasized that such an increase could disproportionately impact low-income households and businesses, particularly those who do not benefit from regulated tariffs.

The recent drop in energy prices on the international market would allow this tax to return to its pre-crisis level, namely 32 euros per megawatt-hour (MWh) compared to 22 euros currently. “If the tax returns to its pre-crisis level, as prices have returned to a normal level, the price that the French pay will decrease. However, we must not go beyond that,” Agnès Pannier-Runacher specified.

Risk for households and businesses

Any additional increase could, according to the Minister, heavily weigh on the bills of households living in poorly insulated homes, referred to as “thermal sieves,” which would primarily affect low and middle-income classes. In parallel, businesses could also face increased pressure on their operating costs, affecting various sectors such as bakers, already sensitive to changes in energy charges.

Expected reduction for consumers on regulated tariffs

Last September, the Commission de régulation de l’énergie (CRE) announced that the end of the tariff shield next February should result in at least a 10% reduction in electricity bills for households on regulated tariffs. However, the Minister warned that if the electricity tax were adjusted beyond its pre-crisis level, the expected savings for consumers could be compromised.

Ongoing arbitration in Parliament

Arbitrations are currently in discussion, and the final decision will be made by Parliament during the examination of the finance bill next week. “We must be very vigilant because low-income and middle-class French people will face a double penalty. They are often the ones living in thermal sieves,” emphasized Agnès Pannier-Runacher.

In conclusion, the Minister insisted on the necessity of a balanced approach to avoid burdening households and businesses while maintaining tariff stability.

  • Populaires ​
Woodside completes sale of 40% stake in Louisiana LNG project to Stonepeak
BrightNight launches 300 MW solar plant in Arizona with Cordelio Power
Trianel deploys 900 MW battery to bolster German grid flexibility
UK refuses to finance subsea electrical link with Morocco
Pedro Azagra takes helm at Iberdrola, Avangrid renews its leadership team
Renewable energy: access improving, but financing still insufficient for Africa
According to the 2025 report on global energy access, despite notable progress in renewable energy, insufficient targeted financing continues to hinder electricity and clean cooking access, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
China and the United States improve their energy performance in an unstable global context
While advanced economies maintain global energy leadership, China and the United States have significantly progressed in the security and sustainability of their energy systems, according to the World Economic Forum's annual report.
Algeria and Angola strengthen energy cooperation at US–Africa summit
On the sidelines of the US–Africa summit in Luanda, Algiers and Luanda consolidate their energy collaboration to better exploit their oil, gas, and mining potential, targeting a common strategy in regional and international markets.
UK urged to accelerate electricity price reforms
The UK's Climate Change Committee is urging the government to quickly reduce electricity costs to facilitate the adoption of heat pumps and electric vehicles, judged too slow to achieve the set climate targets.
Brussels expands subsidies for low-carbon technologies and nuclear power
The European Commission will extend until the end of 2030 an expanded state-aid framework, allowing capitals to fund low-carbon technologies and nuclear power to preserve competitiveness against China and the United States.
Japan Faces Major Electricity Shortfall of 89 GW by 2050
Japan's grid operator forecasts an energy shortfall of up to 89 GW by 2050 due to rising demand from semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence technologies.
EU Approves Targeted Energy Aid for Europe’s Heavy Industries
Energy-intensive European industries will be eligible for temporary state aid to mitigate high electricity prices, according to a new regulatory framework proposed by the European Commission under the "Clean Industrial Deal."
Mauritius launches international tender for floating power plant
Mauritius seeks international investors to swiftly build a floating power plant of around 100 MW, aiming to secure the national energy supply by January 2026 and address current production shortfalls.
Spain and Portugal Strengthen Networks Following April Blackout
Madrid announces immediate energy storage measures while Lisbon secures its electrical grid, responding to the historic outage that affected the entire Iberian Peninsula in late April.
Indonesia Commits 190 Billion USD to Expand Energy Capacity by 2034
Indonesia has unveiled its new national energy plan, projecting an increase of 69.5 GW in electricity capacity over ten years, largely funded by independent producers, to address rapidly rising domestic demand.
France: Moratorium on renewables; warning about immediate industrial impact
French Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher condemns the parliamentary moratorium on new renewable energy installations, warning of the potential loss of 150,000 industrial jobs and increased energy dependence on foreign countries.
New European Battery Regulation Disrupts Europe’s Industrial Sector
The European battery regulation, fully effective from August 18, significantly alters industrial requirements related to electric cars and bicycles, imposing strict rules on recycling, supply chains, and transparency for companies.
European Parliament urges Brussels to act on energy grids
The European Parliament calls on the Commission to strengthen energy infrastructure and accelerate the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal to enhance the continent's energy flexibility and security amid increased market volatility.
Europe Commits Major Investments to Electricity Grids and the Clean Industrial Deal
The European Commission unveils an ambitious plan to modernize electricity grids and introduces the Clean Industrial Deal, mobilizing hundreds of billions of euros to strengthen the continent's industrial and energy autonomy.
Wood Mackenzie highlights advantage of regulated utilities amid data centre boom
In the United States, regulated electric grid operators hold a decisive advantage in connecting new data centres to the grid, now representing 134 GW of projects, according to a Wood Mackenzie report published on June 19.
France sets renewable energy target of 200 TWh by 2030
The French National Assembly approves a specific target of 200 TWh renewable electricity production by 2030 within a legislative text extensively debated about the future national energy mix.
United States: emissions stagnate in 2024, uncertainty under Trump administration
In 2024, US CO₂ emissions remain stable at 5.1bn tonnes, as the Trump administration prepares hydrocarbon-friendly energy policies, raising questions about the future evolution of the American market.
France: Anticipated Energy Decree, National Assembly Denounces Democratic Risk
The early publication of France's energy decree triggers strong parliamentary reactions, as the government aims to rapidly secure investments in nuclear and other energy sectors.
Spain Blackout: Analysis of Causes and European Financing Plan Approved
Seven weeks after the major Iberian power outage, Spain identifies technical network failures, while the European Investment Bank approves major funding to strengthen the interconnection with France.
European Union Sets Precise Timeline for Russian Gas Import Ban
The European Union has announced a detailed schedule aiming to definitively halt Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, anticipating internal legal and commercial challenges to overcome.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS