Reform of off-peak hours launched in 2025

The reform of off-peak hours, decided by the Energy Regulation Commission (CRE), was launched in November 2025. This reform aims to better distribute household electricity consumption by shifting some off-peak hours to periods more favorable for the balance of the network.

First phase benefits 1.7 million households

During the first phase of the rollout, between November 2025 and the end of May 2026, approximately 1.7 million households have already benefited from these new hours. The second and final phase starts at EDF on Wednesday, November 4, and will affect approximately 9.3 million households, or the majority of customers subscribed to this pricing option.

New seasonal variation in off-peak hours

The main principles of the Peak/Off-peak pricing option remain unchanged. Consumers continue to benefit from eight off-peak hours per day, during which the kilowatt-hour is charged at a reduced rate. According to EDF, the main novelty is the introduction of a seasonal variation in the hours, which can now vary depending on the time of year.

Significant price difference remains

The price difference remains significant: at EDF's regulated rate (Blue Tariff) in effect since August 1, 2026, the kilowatt-hour costs 0.1589 € TTC during off-peak hours, compared to 0.2142 € TTC during peak hours, which is approximately 26% less. It is therefore important to check that programmed devices follow the new time slots.

Night off-peak hours remain consistent

Throughout the year, consumers will have at least five consecutive off-peak hours during the night, between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. They can thus continue to program their energy-consuming equipment or charge their electric vehicle during this period. The remaining off-peak hours can be scheduled in the afternoon, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., at a time when solar electricity production is abundant.

Seasonal adjustments vary by region

In winter (from November 1 to March 31), some households may retain all eight off-peak hours during the night. In summer (from April 1 to October 31), two to three off-peak hours can be scheduled in the afternoon, depending on the time slots assigned to each consumer. The exact hours are defined by Enedis according to the local constraints of the electricity network, and their deployment will take place gradually.

Implementation schedule varies by supplier

At EDF, the changes will begin on November 4 and continue until November 2027. The schedule is not the same for everyone. On its page dedicated to the reform, Enedis sets the second phase from December 2026 to October 2027. Customers of other suppliers are also affected, but on dates specific to each one: it is the letter or email from the supplier, sent at least one month before the change, that is valid.

Most households affected by the reform

In France, approximately 14.5 million households have subscribed to the Peak/Off-peak pricing option. Among them, 3.5 million already have time slots conforming to the new rules and therefore do not need to change them. Of the 11 million households remaining at the start of the program, 1.7 million have already switched to the new hours during the first phase. In total, approximately 9.3 million households still need to undergo this change.

Households not affected by the change

Households switched during the first wave will not change again: their time slots remain as they are, even if they are not necessarily seasonalized. At EDF, this applies to customers whose hours were changed between November 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026. Customers subscribed to the Tempo option are not affected, nor are customers located in Corsica and the overseas territories.

Check your current time slots

To find out if you are affected, it is enough to check your current time slots, indicated in your customer account. If part of your off-peak hours fall between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. or between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., your hours will be modified. Your supplier must inform you of your new time slots at least one month before their implementation.

Some devices adapt automatically

Changing the time slots does not necessarily require reprogramming all electrical devices in the household. Those connected to the day/night switch of the Linky meter automatically follow the new time slots from their activation. However, equipment with their own clock retain their old settings. You will therefore need to manually adjust their programming.