Electricity prices in France rise by an average of 2.5% on 1 August

Paris – 17 July 2026: Regulated electricity prices for private households in France are expected to increase by an average of 2.5% including tax on 1 August 2026. The Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) proposed this adjustment on 16 July; the government is following this recommendation. The increase affects households that still benefit from the regulated electricity sales tariff.

According to the latest figures from the CRE, at the end of March 2026, 19.37 million residential electricity supply points in metropolitan France were linked to this tariff. This represents 55.2% of all residential supply points. This figure also shows that the regulated tariff remains decisive for more than half of households, despite competing offers on the energy market.

The adjustment takes place at the annual deadline applicable to electricity network usage tariffs. These charges finance the transmission and distribution of electricity and are passed on to consumers through their bills. In its calculation, the CRE refers in particular to changes in network operators’ costs as well as an adjustment for previous differences between expected network revenues and those actually received.

For consumers, this decision does not mean a uniform increase in euros. The actual burden depends on the tariff model chosen, the subscribed capacity and individual consumption. Press reports estimate the average additional cost for affected households at around 26 euros per year. However, this indication may vary significantly from one bill to another.

The main customers affected are those on EDF’s so-called Blue Tariff offer, as well as customers of local suppliers offering comparable regulated offers. Households with a market contract are not automatically affected by this tariff decision. Their prices depend on each supplier’s contractual terms; however, some offers may include price components that also change.

In May, the CRE had already decided on changes to network usage tariffs as of 1 August. In the now announced increase in regulated sales tariffs, it also takes into account the results of a public consultation as well as energy and economic policy guidelines from the responsible ministries. The authority emphasizes that the tariffs reflect the various cost components of the electricity system.

Before the effective date of 1 August, households are advised to review their annual statement and current contract. A comparison should take into account not only the price per kilowatt-hour, but also the subscription fee, contract duration and price guarantees. This now confirmed increase comes at a time when energy costs remain an essential component of disposable income for many households.