French government confirms the maintenance of regulated electricity tariffs

Paris supports maintaining regulated electricity tariffs for households and very small businesses despite criticism from the Competition Authority. A report sent to Brussels highlights their role in stabilizing the market.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

The French government has decided to maintain regulated electricity sales tariffs (TRVE), aligning with the position of the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE). This decision, detailed in a report submitted to the European Commission, emphasizes the necessity of ensuring market stability amid price fluctuations.

A stability framework in response to energy crises

TRVE provides protection against wholesale price volatility, a key factor highlighted in the report. According to the office of Marc Ferracci, Minister of Industry and Energy, this regulation proved effective during the 2022-2023 energy crisis by mitigating the impact of price increases on consumers.

In January 2025, over 24 million subscribers benefited from a 15% reduction on their electricity bills, a decrease enabled by the regulated framework. The government also stresses that these tariffs contribute to securing electricity supply and supporting the transition towards electrification, without harming market competition.

Territorial cohesion at stake

The report underscores the importance of TRVE for non-interconnected territories (ZNI), particularly island regions where electricity access relies on specific mechanisms. Maintaining these tariffs ensures continuity of service and prevents excessive price disparities across different geographical areas.

The social aspect is also emphasized. For very small businesses and low-income households, a regulated tariff framework prevents sudden price surges while offering financial predictability.

A debate on opening to competition

The Competition Authority had recommended abolishing TRVE, arguing that they distort market competition by historically favoring the incumbent supplier. However, the government does not entirely rule out future adjustments.

The report mentions the possibility of allowing other suppliers to offer these tariffs, an option requiring a thorough evaluation of its market impact. For now, no timeline has been set on this issue, with priority given to maintaining the current system.

Brussels to decide by the end of 2025

According to a 2019 European directive, each member state implementing regulated tariffs must conduct a five-yearly assessment of their relevance. The European Commission is expected to deliver its opinion by the end of 2025.

While TRVE maintenance is currently favored, Brussels may request adjustments, particularly regarding market competition. Until then, consumers and industry players closely monitor the evolution of this case, which could shape France’s electricity pricing structure for years to come.

Opportunities are emerging for African countries to move from extraction to industrial manufacturing in energy technology value chains, as the 2025 G20 discussions highlight these issues.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global renewable power capacity could more than double by 2030, driven by the rise of solar photovoltaics despite supply chain pressures and evolving policy frameworks.
Algeria plans to allocate $60 billion to energy projects by 2029, primarily targeting upstream oil and gas, while developing petrochemicals, renewables and unconventional resources.
China set a record for clean technology exports in August, driven by surging sales of electric vehicles and batteries, with more than half of the growth coming from non-OECD markets.
A night-time attack on Belgorod’s power grid left thousands without electricity, according to Russian local authorities, despite partial service restoration the following morning.
The French Academy of Sciences calls for a global ban on solar radiation modification, citing major risks to climate stability and the world economy.
The halt of US federal services disrupts the entire decision-making chain for energy and mining projects, with growing risks of administrative delays and missing critical data.
Facing a potential federal government shutdown, multiple US energy agencies are preparing to suspend services and furlough thousands of employees.
A report reveals the economic impact of renewable energy losses in Chile, indicating that a 1% drop in curtailments could generate $15mn in annual savings.
Faced with growing threats to its infrastructure, Denmark raises its energy alert level in response to a series of unidentified drone flyovers and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Prime Minister dismissed rumours of a moratorium on renewables, as the upcoming energy roadmap triggers tensions within the sector.
Kuwait plans to develop 14.05 GW of new power capacity by 2031 to meet growing demand and reduce scheduled outages, driven by extreme temperatures and maintenance delays.
The partnership with the World Bank-funded Pro Energia+ programme aims to expand electricity access in Mozambique by targeting rural communities through a results-based financing mechanism.
The European Commission strengthens ACER’s funding through a new fee structure applied to reporting entities, aimed at supporting increased surveillance of wholesale energy market transactions.
France’s Court of Auditors is urging clarity on EDF’s financing structure, as the public utility confronts a €460bn investment programme through 2040 to support its new nuclear reactor rollout.
The U.S. Department of Energy will return more than $13bn in unspent funds originally allocated to climate initiatives, in line with the Trump administration’s new budget policy.
Under pressure from Washington, the International Energy Agency reintroduces a pro-fossil scenario in its report, marking a shift in its direction amid rising tensions with the Trump administration.
Southeast Asia, facing rapid electricity consumption growth, could tap up to 20 terawatts of solar and wind potential to strengthen energy security.
The President of the Energy Regulatory Commission was elected to the presidency of the Board of Regulators of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators for a two-and-a-half-year term.
The Australian government has announced a new climate target backed by a funding plan, while maintaining its position as a major coal exporter, raising questions about its long-term energy strategy.