Electricity prices: towards a revolution in off-peak hours?
As part of the public consultation on the future of TURPE (Tarif d'Utilisation des Réseaux Publics d'Électricité), launched in early 2024 by the Commission de Régulation de l'Énergie (French Energy Regulatory Commission), there are plans to change the tariff structure for off-peak hours.
The current off-peak system
Electricity suppliers offer several tariff options. Mainly, Base tariffs, which allow you to benefit from a constant price per kWh throughout the day and year, and peak/off-peak tariffs (HP/HC), which allow you to take advantage of reduced rates at certain times of the day.
Peak hours correspond to times when demand for electricity is high, whileoff-peak hours are traditionally at night, when consumption is lower.
This pricing option is designed to encourage French consumers to shift their consumption to off-peak hours, which are on average 30% cheaper than peak hours (and less carbon-intensive).
Why the change?
Photovoltaic development
The ongoing development of photovoltaics is generating more and more favorable hours for the power system during the day and in summer (from April to October inclusive).
In fact, electricity production by solar panels is at its peak during this period, which can help stabilize the power grid by providing an abundant, clean source of energy.
The winter energy crisis
On the other hand, the recent energy crisis has highlighted the importance of positioning off-peak hours in winter.
Inappropriate placement of off-peak times can place additional strain on the electrical system. In winter, energy demand is often higher due to heating, and poor management of off-peak times can lead to uncontrollable peaks in demand, increasing the risk of grid overload and higher energy costs.
What is the impact of optimizing peak and off-peak hours?
Optimal placement of peak and off-peak hours benefits not only the smooth operation of the power grid, but also the entire electrical system.
By consuming electricity at times when production is least constrained - i.e. at the cheapest times of the year - we can reduce the overall cost of electricity.
This means adapting off-peak hours to times when energy production is most abundant and least costly, such as sunny summer days for photovoltaics.
What impact will this have on my energy consumption or contract?
To this end, the public consultation on TURPE envisages the creation of new daytime off-peak periods, depending on the season (summer or winter), to encourage consumption during peaks in photovoltaic production.
Current studies and potential reforms
Studies are underway to confirm this reform, in conjunction with all players in the electricity system (network operators, suppliers, etc.).
Implementation and deadline
✅ If confirmed, suppliers will have to offer their customers these different off-peak periods in their contracts from August 1, 2025, when TURPE 7 is launched.
If technical files don't scare you.
Discover the public consultation n°2023-13 on TURPE 7 from the Commission de régulation de l'énergie (CRE).
In a few lines
The off-peak system proposed by the French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) is designed to bring tariffs more into line with the reality of electricity production and consumption.
By adapting off-peak hours to periods of high photovoltaic production and adjusting tariffs according to the season, this initiative could contribute to the stability and security of the electricity grid, while reducing consumer bills.
If this proposal is confirmed, new off-peak periods could be included in suppliers' tariff options as early as August 2025.
Stanislas Perrin - Project Manager