EDF changes off-peak hours in France

Electricity provider EDF is set to adjust off-peak electricity hours starting in November, impacting 14.5 million French households. This system, originally introduced in the 1960s, splits the day into 16 hours of higher-cost "peak" time and 8 hours of lower-cost "off-peak" time, typically during nighttime hours.

Off-peak hours will vary by season

The changes will allow for more flexibility in off-peak times, particularly during the "good season" from April 1 to October 31. During this period, households will have 2 or 3 additional off-peak hours in the afternoon, between 11 AM and 5 PM, in addition to the standard nighttime off-peak hours.

Reasons for the change

The Energy Regulation Commission (CRE) mandated these changes to better match evolving consumption patterns and the increasing use of solar energy. EDF explains that afternoon hours, when solar energy is more abundant, can now be used to reduce strain on the electricity grid and avoid peak usage times.

Implementation phases and timelines

The first phase of the changes, beginning November 1, 2025, affected 1.7 million customers and ended May 31, 2026. A second phase, affecting 9.3 million customers, started on October 6 and will continue until November 30, 2027. New EDF customers who signed up for off-peak hours after October 6 will automatically receive the seasonalized off-peak hours.

How customers can check and prepare

EDF customers can check their off-peak hours through their online account. If their current off-peak hours include a time slot between 7 AM and 11 AM or between 5 PM and 11 PM, their schedule will be adjusted. Tempo subscribers and those in Corsica or overseas territories are not affected by the change.

Adapting to new off-peak hours

EDF recommends that customers review their current electricity plan to ensure it aligns with their new consumption habits. The most significant savings occur when 30 to 35% of household electricity use happens during off-peak hours. Customers who are away during the day may find it more beneficial to compare the off-peak option with a standard electricity rate.

Practical tips for adjusting

Customers may need to reprogram their appliances and ensure their electrical panel is set to "Auto" mode. For electric vehicles, the CRE advises using a dedicated charging station or reinforced socket, even though five off-peak hours at night are generally enough for a full charge. The Linky smart meter will automatically update with the new off-peak schedule.