Understanding energy consumption

Choosing the right electricity and gas contract requires knowing your consumption profile, comparing available offers, and adjusting your habits to control energy expenses. The size of your home, the number of people living there, and the presence of energy-intensive equipment directly determine the type of contract that will suit you.

Household differences affect contracts

A two-person household without gas heating has different needs compared to a family of five with a condensing boiler. This distinction affects the subscribed power, the chosen pricing option (peak/off-peak hours or base rate), and the relevance of a dual contract (electricity and gas with the same supplier).

Linky meters provide accurate data

Nearly 97% of French households are equipped with a Linky meter, which provides consumption data that can help users understand their real usage and choose a tailored offer. The French market includes several types of contracts, starting with the Regulated Electricity Price (TRV), set by public authorities and periodically revised.

Types of electricity contracts

This offers stability and protection against sudden increases in the wholesale market. EDF is the historical supplier offering TRV to individuals in France, alongside local distribution operators. Fixed-price offers guarantee a stable rate for a determined period, regardless of market fluctuations, while indexed offers follow the variations in the price of energy on the wholesale markets.

Green energy and its guarantees

Green offers, promoted by suppliers who commit to covering consumption with electricity from renewable sources, are also available. However, users should check the origin guarantees that certify the real source of the supplied electricity.

Beyond the price per kWh

When comparing suppliers, the displayed price per kWh is not sufficient. Users must also consider the subscription price, the flexibility of the contract, the quality of customer service, and the use of official comparators. Some contracts may display an attractive price per kWh but compensate with a higher monthly subscription, which can be disadvantageous for low-consumption households.

Adjusting habits to save energy

Adjusting consumption habits can significantly reduce energy expenses. If a contract includes the Off-Peak Hours option, users should program energy-intensive appliances during reduced price slots. Insulation also plays a determining role in heating consumption, and a connected or programmable thermostat can help regulate temperature according to presence hours.

Energy savings through small changes

Reducing the temperature by 1 degree Celsius can save about 7% on the heating bill, according to the ADEME. Common mistakes to avoid when changing suppliers include subscribing to a promotional offer without reading the validity period of the rate, confusing the effective date of the new contract with the date of termination of the old one, not reading the index of an old-generation meter, and neglecting the subscribed power.

Switching suppliers in France

Changing suppliers in your current home costs nothing, but connection fees may apply when moving. Switching is made without interruption when the home has a Linky meter, but a short interruption may be possible for gas or with old-generation electricity meters.