Tempo option changes for EDF customers

The Tempo option, a regulated electricity pricing plan in France, will undergo changes affecting its 880,000 customers. This option, offered by EDF and local distribution companies, features varying prices per kilowatt-hour based on time of day and season, with specific days designated for higher or lower rates.

Structure of Tempo pricing days

The Tempo pricing includes 300 blue days with the lowest prices, 43 white days with moderate rates, and 22 red days with the highest prices. Red days occur between November 1 and March 31 during periods of high electricity demand, typically during peak hours.

Exclusion of holidays from red days

The Energy Regulation Commission (CRE) has decided to exclude December 24 and December 31 from the selection of red days. This change aims to avoid potential electricity shortages during holidays, relying instead on the Ecowatt signal managed by RTE, which encourages voluntary energy reduction rather than mandatory restrictions.

Earlier warnings for red days

RTE plans to announce red days two days in advance, instead of one day as previously. This change, part of an ongoing system update, will give consumers an extra day to adjust their energy use, improving their ability to manage costs and consumption.

New method for selecting red days

Starting in November, RTE will use a new method to select red days, based on the capacity mechanism used for peak days. This approach aims to distribute red days more evenly across the winter season, preventing the uneven distribution seen in the 2025-2026 winter.

CRE proposed changes in June 2026

The CRE had proposed these modifications in June 2026 as part of a broader review of the regulated electricity tariff. The changes were introduced following a consultation period to improve the reliability and fairness of the Tempo pricing system.