Choosing the right electricity contract in France
In the last P-O Life Mag, we explained how to change your electricity provider to be sure you have the best option out of many.
Here we look at the questions you need to ask before you make the switch.
Which electricity contract is the right one for me?
Most people pay too much for their electricity and aren’t sure which contract is the best for them. Here is what you need to know to choose the right tariff for you and save money on your bills.
The most common electricity contract types in France – and which one is right for you.
Base
This contract type has a steady price 24/7.
Who should use this type of contract?
- People with low nighttime electricity consumption
- People who don’t want to optimise their habits for when electricity prices are high or low
- People with a lower electricity consumption (<4000 kWh/year)
Heures Pleines / Heures Creuses
This contract has two prices, one at night and one during the day. The night tariff is usually from 10pm to 6am and the day tariff covers the remaining hours of the day. The day tariff is more expensive than the night tariff.
Who should use this type of contract?
- Night owls, as their main consumption is at night.
- People with solar panels as they produce free sun power when electricity is expensive, making savings on the bills even higher.
- People with heavy electric consumers running at night (e.g. EVs, heat pumps, and pool pumps) as at this time, it is cheaper to use them.
Tempo
The “Tempo” electricity contract has prices that change every day. This helps lower electricity use when demand is high. It uses three colors to show different prices. Blue for the cheapest days, white for medium-priced days, and red for the most expensive days.
Who should use this type of contract?
- People with flexible schedules can avoid “red” days, as the prices on other days are much lower.
- People with solar panels and batteries as energy storage can bridge the expensive days
- People looking to reduce their environmental impact as it encourages lower electricity consumption on days when demand is highest.
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