EDF, Electricité de france are the main supplier for electricity in France.
EDF Bleu Ciel advises that they can offer two types of tariffs:
- Tarif Bleu whose prices are set by the authorities
- Mon Contrat Electricité whose prices are freely set by EDF
For the Tarif Bleu offer, you have 3 options:
- Option Base (flat Rate)
- Option Heures Pleines / Heures Creuses (peak and reduced off peak)
- Option Tempo (variable rate)
For the Mon Contrat Electricité offer, there are two options:
- Option Base
- Option Heures Pleines / Heures Creuses
For up-to-date information on the cost of each tariff visit the dedicated page on the EDF website.
Flat Rate – Option Base
EDF advises “The Tarif Bleue option will suit you especially if you have few appliances and if you want to eat at any time without worrying about the time, day or year”. This is basically a fixed rate energy tariff.
Off Peak – Heures Pleines/Heures Creuses
EDF advises “The Heures Pleines option will suit you especially if you want to take advantage of price per kWh at the most advantageous to the day (ie 8 hours daily peak)”. Basically if you have a night-storage electric water heater, or storage radiators, then you would be best to choose this option, which provides off peak electricity rates to heat your appliances. See peak and off-peak rates on the EDF website.
Tempo
This tariff is a bit more complicated to get to grips with. Most of us are used to simply switching things on and getting a bill without thinking about whether it costs more to switch on today than it did yesterday. With this tariff, you’ll pay less for your electricity on good days (blue days) and more (much more) on bad days (red days) for instance when it’s very cold and the pull on the grid is high. You can get a meter which will clearly indicate what sort of day it is in terms of paying for your energy or you can check this page on EDF’s website
On the subject of Tempo EDF advises “This option will suit you if you plan to use your devices according to the colour of the day, and it is reserved for individuals who hold a minimum subscription of 9 kVA”.
As we said before, if you’re in any doubt about what tariff suits you, and what level of Electric energy intake you need, ask for a free assessment of your requirements by EDF called a Conseil Tarifaire, either through the English speaking helpline or your local EDF shop or office.
Meter Readings in France
Electricity meter readings are conducted every six months and though you can arrange your own meter reading on occasion, or you may be left a card asking you to write in the meter reading or telephone it through, however EDF insist on checking it themselves once a year.
Electricity Bills in France
There are two elements to your bill (facture). Firstly, the standing charge (abonnement), determined by the power supply installed and secondly, the consumption of electricity units. TVA (Value Added Tax) is applied at 20.6% on the standing charge and 19.5% on the consumption. Local taxes (taxe commune/département) are added at around 12%, before TVA.
You can pay your bills online, by mail (cheque), by phone (bank card), or in cash at your EDF local shop. The online payment form is in French. If you want to pay by direct debit you will need to ask your French bank for a RIB which you send to EDF. If you need help finding your local EDF shop or sorting out the best way to pay – ring the helpful EDF English speaking helpline: More on Electricity in France
