Electricity prices: €900 increase, OEM system, European targets… why the French bill could soar in 2026
Energy prices could soar in 2026 according to the results of a study commissioned by the French Electricity Union (UFE). Reason would be a state measure to reduce energy consumption.
After a respite from the energy crisis in 2022, the French energy bill could soar again from 2026… A study commissioned by the French Electricity Union (UFE) from consultancy Colombus and revealed by The Parisian alarm for the rise in energy prices in 2026 and in particular those of electricity. Subject: the new sobriety targets imposed on companies in the energy sector through the Energy Saving Certificate (EEC) scheme.
What are energy saving certificates?
The KAE system, established in 2006, is one of the main tools created by the state to reduce energy consumption by 30% in 2030 compared to 2012. In particular, it can be a financial aid for households that carry out energy work. renovation in their homes. The system also concerns energy suppliers who are forced to finance energy saving actions in order to obtain the necessary certificates to avoid financial penalties. However, the costs incurred in obtaining these certificates are reflected in the suppliers’ selling prices and thus in the consumers’ bills.
Over 900 euros annual increase?
From 2026, new energy efficiency targets will be imposed on these companies. They were established so that France can achieve “the objective of carbon neutrality by 2050, as well as a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030”, set with our European partners, Nicolas Goldberg, energy expert, explained to our colleagues from Columbus consulting. . According to estimates made by Directorate-General for Energy and Climate (DGEC) data, the annual cost of CEE for a French household could be €450 to €912 per year for all energies combined, while it is currently around €200 annually. .
An ineffective device?
This study commissioned by the UFE echoes the criticisms already expressed by the Court of Auditors in a report published last week. The foundation described the system as “increasingly complex” and called for it to be reformed or even scrapped. Furthermore, “the reality of the savings achieved” would be uncertain in contrast to the economic burden specific to households and businesses in the energy sector. “The results shown would overestimate the energy savings made in 2022 and 2023 by at least 30%,” according to the Court of Auditors.
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Lower electricity prices: why 4 out of 10 French people won’t benefit from it
This price increase planned for 2026 softens somewhat the announcement by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CRE) which revealed, on September 11, a 10% reduction in the electricity bills of rate regulated subscribers (TRVE) in February 2025. This price stabilization may therefore not last long…
