Ah, electricity! This invisible fairy that lights up our lives and makes our washing machines run. But now it's getting capricious and deciding to play yo-yo with our wallets! Yes, the increase in electricity prices is on everyone's lips, and it promises to take us on an emotional (and financial) roller coaster in 2025. But don't worry, there are simple tips to limit the damage!
The increase in prices: a real electrical headache
Hold on tight to your meters, because the numbers are going to make your hair stand on end! Since February 1, 2024, electricity prices have already gone up a notch with an increase of 8.6% for the basic rate and 9.8% for the “peak-off-peak” rate. But it's not over yet!
The government is also planning to increase the TICFE (Domestic Tax on Final Electricity Consumption). It's a bit like saying to us: “Here, we're going to take back what we gave you during the Covid crisis”. Nice, right? This tax had indeed fallen before the Covid crisis and the increases in electricity prices, to limit the damage. But it will return to its pre-crisis level.
To top it all off, the electricity distribution costs, called TURPE (Public Electricity Network Usage Tariff), will increase by 4.9% from November 1, 2024. It's a bit like the postman asking us for a tip to deliver our bills… This increase will be applied from October 1 to subscribers to the market offer. For subscribers to the regulated tariff, the increase will take place in February 2025.
Finally, contrary to what some people claim on social media, VAT is not going to be multiplied by four on our entire electricity bill. Phew! In reality, it's a little more complicated. The 2025 finance bill provides for an increase in VAT, but only on the subscription part of our bills, which would go from 5.5% to 20%. In concrete terms, for a classic subscription to EDF's blue tariff of around 150 euros per year, this would represent an increase of around 22 euros on the annual bill. It's as if two pizzas were stolen from us per year! (And not frozen pizzas, eh, real pizzas from the local pizza maker!)
But then, my bill is going to explode?
Not so fast! Despite all these dizzying increases, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Electricity supply costs have fallen sharply in recent months (a 200% drop in 18 months, no less!).
Result? The Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) estimates that the regulated tariff could fall by around 10% on 1 February 2025. The government, in its 2025 budget project, even plans to guarantee a 9% drop in the regulated tariff on that date. It's a bit like saying to us: “We're going to pick your pockets, but we promise, we'll leave you enough to buy a sandwich!” Overall, between the decreases and increases, the bill should not change much in February. But this is only a short respite, because in the long term we know that tariffs must align with our European neighbours, and despite the increases in recent years, we still remain one of the cheapest countries in Europe. Tips to avoid getting fleeced
Okay, now that we've covered this joyful tariff mess, what can we do to limit the damage? Well, it's time to become energy saving ninjas!
First tip: hunt down energy vampires! Turn off the lights when you leave a room (even if you plan to come back in 30 seconds), unplug your appliances on standby (yes, even your toaster that you only use once a week), and invest in LED bulbs (they consume less and last longer).
Then, why not
take out an electricity contract with a new supplier? It's like changing hairdressers, except that in this case, your wallet will thank you! Compare offers, negotiate, play the competition. You might be surprised at the savings you can make, and all in just a few clicks! My solar stations directly reduce my electricity consumption
“But we're talking about electricity, not gas!” Think again! Natural gas can be an excellent alternative for certain uses, such as heating or hot water, as it can cost less than electricity. So why not take a look at a
natural gas offer
? You could kill two birds with one stone: diversify your energy sources and potentially save money. Not bad, right? Keep your spirits up (and your sense of humor)! Remember: rising electricity prices are not inevitable! With a little ingenuity and goodwill, you can limit their impact on your budget. And who knows, maybe even take advantage of it? (Imagine: “Honey, what if we went to a restaurant with the money saved on our electricity bill?”)
So, keep smiling, turn off that useless light, and tell yourself that every little gesture counts. After all, the cheapest energy is the one we don't use! And if you really need comfort, remember that at least you don't have to pedal a bike to power your TV. (Although, that could be an idea for the next lockdown…)
Ultimately, this price increase may be the perfect opportunity to rethink our relationship with energy. And who knows? Maybe one day, we'll laugh about this time when we left our chargers plugged in 24/7. In the meantime, stay positive, and be creative, it doesn't cost anything. And don't forget: electricity is like humor, you have to know how to dose it!
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