The electricity price In France, prices have been steadily increasing for the past fifteen years. Between 2007 and 2023, the average price increase exceeded 50%, driven mainly by the energy transition, rising supply costs, and ever-increasing environmental taxes. Discover the tips for choosing the best electricity contract to effectively reduce your annual bill despite price increases.

Understanding the types of electricity contracts available

In France, two main families of contracts exist: regulated sales tariffs (TRV) and market offers.

• Regulated Tariff (TRV) : set by the public authorities, the TRV is only offered by EDF, the historical supplier. Its particularity lies in a certain price security, supervised by the State, even if it remains sensitive to general market variations.
• Market offers : These offers, proposed by various alternative suppliers, generally come in two main formulas: fixed-price offers and indexed-price offers. A fixed-price offer guarantees a stable rate for the entire duration of the contract (usually 1 to 3 years), while an indexed-price offer follows the fluctuations of the wholesale electricity market.

For example, according to the official website of the supplier Wekiwi, some fixed-price offers allow you to precisely anticipate the annual cost, thus avoiding unpleasant surprises in the event of a sudden increase in the market.

Adapt your contract to your consumption habits

The off-peak/peak hours option

This pricing option is particularly suited to households able to shift a significant portion of their electricity consumption to so-called "off-peak" hours, generally at night or early afternoon depending on the region. The rate during these periods can be up to 30% lower than during peak hours. According to an estimate by the national energy mediator, substantial savings can be achieved if at least 30% of total consumption is shifted to these times.

The temporary tariff: manage your consumption according to the days

EDF's Tempo tariff is designed to encourage consumers to reduce their consumption during peak energy demand periods. The year is divided into three categories of days:

• Blue Days (300 days) : lowest rates, with up to 40% savings possible.
• White days (43 days) : average rates, representing approximately 20 to 30% savings.
• Red Days (22 days) : very high prices, strongly encouraging people to limit consumption to what is strictly necessary.

The maximum benefit is achieved when the user is responsive and vigilant, able to significantly reduce consumption on red days.

Track and precisely control your energy consumption

La reduction of electricity bill requires rigorous management of daily consumption. Digital tools such as Linky meters now allow individuals to monitor their consumption in real time. For example, simply reducing the indoor temperature of your home by 1°C can generate a 7% saving on your annual heating bill.

Standby devices, such as televisions, computers, and internet boxes, account for nearly 15% of annual household electricity consumption. Turning off these devices completely during extended absences therefore provides tangible savings on the final bill.

Compare market offers regularly

Price vigilance also involves regularly comparing existing offers on the market. According to the national energy mediator, there are price differences of up to €200 per year between the cheapest and most expensive offers for an average annual consumption of around 10 kWh.

Many independent online comparison sites allow consumers to quickly and efficiently find the offer best suited to their consumption profile. It is recommended to conduct this comparison at least once a year to take full advantage of market opportunities.

Take advantage of digital services and new technologies

Personalized modern electricity suppliers are now focusing on the digitalization of services to reduce their operational costs and offer competitive rates. For example, some so-called "100% digital" offers grant additional discounts to customers who manage their contract entirely online. These price reductions can reach up to 10% compared to traditional offers, representing a significant saving over an entire year.

How to choose the right electricity offer?

Choose one suitable electricity supply Meeting your needs is essential for controlling your energy bill. The first criterion to consider is the type of tariff: fixed or indexed. A fixed tariff guarantees a stable price over a set period, protecting against market increases, while an indexed tariff follows fluctuations in electricity prices, potentially offering savings during periods of decline.

Next, it's important to evaluate the price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and the cost of the monthly subscription. Some offers offer a cheaper kWh but a higher subscription, or vice versa. It's therefore important to calculate the total cost based on your annual consumption.

Additional services offered by the provider can also influence the choice. For example, discounts for 100% digital contract management or customizable plans based on consumption can represent significant advantages.

Finally, for those concerned about the environment, opt for a green electricity offer like the supplier Wekiwi, produced from renewable sources, is an option to consider. It is recommended to compare the available offers using official comparators to make an informed choice.

Get informed to avoid market pitfalls

Unfortunately, deceptive marketing practices also exist in the electricity sector. The Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) regularly informs consumers about the practices of various suppliers to help them make informed decisions. For example, since July 2024, the CRE has been publishing the names of suppliers lacking transparency, helping consumers avoid unpleasant surprises.

Reducing your energy needs for sustainable savings

Finally, the most substantial savings often come from energy improvement works : attic insulation, installation of a thermodynamic water heater, or replacement of old electric radiators with more efficient models. According to ADEME, these works can reduce the energy needs of an average home by up to 25%, a significant and lasting saving.

So, although rising prices seem inexorable, consumers still have effective ways to save money on their electricity contracts. Carefully choosing your plan, optimizing daily consumption, staying vigilant, and investing in energy renovations remain winning strategies for sustainably controlling your energy bill.