EDF Tempo subscribers face 22 red days

Approximately 900,000 subscribers to the Tempo option from EDF are expected to face 22 red days between November 1 and March 31, during which electricity prices rise significantly. These days are scheduled to occur when demand for electricity is expected to be high, typically during cold weather when heating needs increase.

Electricity pricing varies on red days

Since August 1, 2026, electricity costs 0.7295 euros per kilowatt-hour during peak hours on red days, while the rate drops below the Base option’s 0.2001 euros per kilowatt-hour in 6 kVA outside of these days. This pricing structure encourages users to shift their consumption to non-red days to save money.

RTE selects red days based on demand

The electricity transmission network manager, RTE, has been responsible for selecting red days since 2014, using data on periods of high demand. These selections are often influenced by seasonal factors, such as the need for heating during winter months.

Alternative suppliers follow the same red day schedule

The Tempo signal from RTE is used by alternative electricity suppliers to create their own pricing plans. This means that all suppliers using the Tempo model will follow the same red day calendar. However, last winter, the classification of December 31 as a red day caused dissatisfaction among users.

New method for selecting red days announced

The Energy Regulation Commission (CRE) acknowledged that the previous selection method led to an uneven distribution of red days and announced changes following a public consultation in May. The new method is based on "peak days" identified by the capacity mechanism, which highlights winter days when the electrical system may face stress.

Old method had limitations

Previously, RTE used forecasts of "residual consumption" to determine red days, but this method had shortcomings during the last winter. According to Selectra, only 8 of the 15 peak days identified by RTE were classified as red days, indicating a gap between forecasted and actual high-demand days.

New method spreads red days more evenly

The new method aims to spread red days more evenly throughout the winter, avoiding a concentration of expensive days toward the end of the season. Simulations suggest that the new approach will maintain a high level of efficiency in identifying tense days, at 94% compared to 95% with the old method, while reducing the need for last-minute "catch-up" red days.

Changes to the red day calendar

The CRE has decided to exclude December 24 and December 31 from the red day calendar, despite expected high demand. This follows criticism of EDF's previous inclusion of New Year’s Eve as a red day. If the system experiences strain on these dates, RTE could use the Ecowatt system to alert consumers and encourage reduced consumption.

Earlier red day announcements planned

Starting with the winter of 2027–2028, RTE will announce red days two days in advance when possible, compared to the current one-day notice given at 10:30 am. This change aims to give consumers and suppliers more time to prepare and adjust their energy usage.