Gas price increase announced

Rising gas prices are expected to increase household bills by approximately 135 € in 2026 compared to 2025, according to reports. The reference selling price of gas, published monthly by the Energy Regulation Commission (CRE), will increase by 6.6% on November 1st, reaching 194.90 €.

Impact on households

This price increase affects approximately 6 million households whose contracts follow the reference selling price. These households will see their bills rise as the new price becomes effective.

Consumer recommendations

To mitigate the impact of this increase, several recommendations have been provided. Consumers are advised to identify whether their contract is indexed or fixed and to check the end date of their commitment.

Contract types and savings

Fixed-price contracts protect against the November increase until their expiration, while indexed contracts follow the monthly reference price. The National Energy Mediator suggests using a public comparator to find an offer adapted to one's budget.

Thermostat adjustments

Setting the thermostat to 19 °C in living areas, 17 °C in bedrooms, and 16 to 17 °C at night can lead to real savings. Each degree less on the thermostat reduces heating consumption by about 7%.

Programmable thermostats

A programmable thermostat can provide up to 15% additional savings by automatically adjusting the temperature during absences or at night. These devices help optimize energy use without sacrificing comfort.

Mandatory boiler maintenance

Annual maintenance of gas boilers with a power of 4 to 400 kW is required, as mandated by a decree from June 9, 2009. This maintenance ensures safety by measuring carbon monoxide emissions and reduces energy consumption by 8 to 12%.

Improving boiler efficiency

Bleeding radiators, which are cold at the top and hot at the bottom, can improve efficiency by removing air from the system. Checking the boiler's pressure gauge to ensure it reads between 1 and 1.5 bar is also recommended.

Reducing heat loss

Closing shutters at night and installing thick curtains, door seals, and new window seals can reduce heat loss. These measures help retain warmth and lower energy bills.

Ventilation and hot water

Ventilating for 5 to 10 minutes per day in all seasons helps maintain a less humid, easier-to-heat environment. Monitoring hot water usage is also advised, as it accounts for more than 12% of household energy consumption.

Energy checks and savings

Consumers who received an energy check in April can use it until March 31, 2027, to pay gas or electricity bills. The amount of the check depends on income and family composition, ranging from 48 to 277 €.

Future energy checks

Requests for an energy check are still possible until December 31, 2026, even if one did not receive it initially. The next campaign will begin in January 2027, but details are not yet known.