Electricity prices in France have surged, with some consumers experiencing increases of up to 22%. The government anticipates a price reduction by 2025, while the competition authority pushes for the elimination of regulated tariffs. Ademe offers 37 tips to reduce electricity costs, emphasizing energy-saving practices like temperature adjustments and turning off lights. Electric vehicle owners can save by charging during off-peak hours and utilizing bidirectional charging to manage energy use effectively.
In recent years, electricity prices have been on an upward trajectory, leaving many in France feeling the financial strain. The latest spike in costs was recorded in February, with some consumers facing increases as high as 22%. However, there is hope on the horizon as this trend may soon shift.
Electricity Prices: A Steady Climb
The government has forecast a reduction in electricity prices by 2025. In the meantime, the competition authority is advocating for the removal of regulated tariffs, which continue to be favored by a significant number of French consumers. Nevertheless, the state might opt to maintain these tariffs for a few additional years, aligning with the recommendations of the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE).
This news is encouraging, especially as heating has become a challenge for many due to escalating prices. Fortunately, Ademe, an agency linked to the Ministry of Ecological Transition, has shared valuable insights on how to save on electricity expenses. In a recent report, it outlines 37 practical tips that most French households can implement.
One of the primary strategies highlighted by Ademe is to adjust the home temperature. It is suggested to keep living rooms at a maximum of 19 degrees when occupied and lower it to 17 degrees when empty. The same temperature guideline applies to bedrooms during the night and when unoccupied. For bathrooms, a comfortable 22 degrees is recommended during showers, while the rest of the time it can be reduced to 17 degrees.
According to Ademe, “reducing the heating by 1°C can result in a decrease of 7% in energy consumption.” The agency also recommends activating frost protection mode during extended absences and adjusting the temperature down for shorter trips. Additionally, they share numerous easy-to-follow daily practices, such as turning off lights when leaving a room, using the “Eco” settings on washing machines, and powering down devices before bedtime.
Savings for Electric Vehicle Owners
While Ademe’s document primarily covers ways to conserve electricity within the home, it also touches on outdoor strategies like drying clothes in the garden or implementing a drip irrigation system. Surprisingly, the topic of electric vehicles is barely addressed, despite a study by Enedis revealing that 88% of charging occurs at home, which is notably energy-consuming.
So, how can electric vehicle owners save on energy costs? There are a few effective approaches. First, consider selecting an appropriate energy plan, such as the Tempo subscription from EDF, which includes designated peak and off-peak hours. It is advisable to schedule vehicle charging during these off-peak periods to take advantage of lower rates. For instance, using this strategy with a Renault Mégane E-Tech can lead to savings of approximately 290 euros annually.
Lastly, if your electric vehicle supports it, think about utilizing bidirectional charging, also referred to as V2H (Vehicle-to-Home) and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid). This feature is available in vehicles like the Renault 5 E-Tech, allowing you to charge your car during off-peak hours and use that stored energy to power your home during peak times or sell the excess back to the grid.