Decoding Your Business Electricity Bill: A Complete 2026 Guide

Tariff and Tax Changes: What's Changing in 2026

The French energy landscape is constantly evolving, and 2026 will bring its share of changes for businesses. Understanding these changes is essential to anticipate the impact on your electricity bills and optimize your energy budget.

Impact of Regulated Sales Tariffs (TRVE)

The Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) has announced changes to the Regulated Electricity Sales Tariffs (TRVE), effective from February 1, 2026,,,,,. These changes mainly concern companies that have subscribed to the Tarif Bleu (Blue Tariff).

• Decrease in the non-residential Blue Tariff: For companies with a subscribed power ≤ 36 kVA, an average decrease of 1.29% excluding tax (1.58% including tax) is expected,.
• Elimination of the Green Tariff: The old Green Tariff will be eliminated. However, existing contracts will be maintained without changes,.
• Yellow Tariffs: There will be no average changes communicated,.

Impact of Changes on Your Bill

Several factors influence the evolution of your electricity bill:

• Supply cost: The TRVE are impacted by a decrease in the cost of energy supply (-4.22% excluding tax),.
• Energy Savings Certificates (CEE): An increase in costs related to CEE (+2.09% excluding tax) is expected,.
• Capacity guarantees: A decrease in the cost of capacity guarantees (-0.79% excluding tax) is also to be noted,.
• Adjustments: An increase in adjustments is expected (+2.81% excluding tax),.
• TURPE: The transmission and distribution component (TURPE) will remain unchanged,.

Understanding the Key Components of Your Bill

Deciphering your electricity bill is the first step to optimizing your energy expenses. Here are the main components to know:

• Cost of electricity supply: It represents the price of the energy you consume.
• Transmission and distribution costs: It covers the costs of transporting and distributing electricity to your business.

Taxes and Contributions

Several taxes and contributions apply to your electricity consumption,,:

• Excise duty on electricity: Formerly CSPE/TICFE, it is adjusted according to inflation,,. For example, the rate will increase from 2.998 c€/kWh to 3.085 c€/kWh for households and small businesses,,. Some companies may be eligible for reduced rates or exemptions under certain conditions,,.
• Tariff Contribution for Transmission (CTA): It contributes to the financing of the retirement system for employees in the electricity and gas industries. Note that the Contribution to the Public Electricity Service (CTA) will decrease from 21.93% to 15%.
• Value Added Tax (VAT) : It applies to the total cost of your bill (supply, transmission and distribution, and other taxes) at a rate of 20%,,.

Tariff Options

Your tariff option directly influences the price of your electricity:

• Base Option: The price per kWh is constant, regardless of the time of day.
• Peak Hours/Off-Peak Hours Option: The price per kWh varies depending on the time of day. Off-peak hours, usually at night, are cheaper.

For the EDF Blue Tariff in December 2025, the prices are:

• Base Option: 0.1616 €/kWh excluding VAT
• Peak Hours: 0.167 €/kWh excluding VAT
• Off-Peak Hours: 0.1409 €/kWh excluding VAT

Choosing the Right Supplier and the Right Type of Offer

Since the opening of the energy market in 2007, companies have had the opportunity to choose their electricity supplier. This freedom allows you to compare offers and find the one that best suits your needs.

Indexed Price Offers vs. Fixed Price Offers

• Indexed price offers: The price per kWh is indexed to a market index (for example, the wholesale price of electricity). These offers can be advantageous in periods of falling prices, but they are also riskier in the event of an increase.
• Fixed price offers: The price per kWh is fixed for the duration of the contract. These offers provide better visibility on your energy expenses, but they may be less competitive in periods of falling prices.

Transparency of Offers

The CRE has implemented guidelines to improve the transparency of electricity and natural gas offers. These guidelines, already in effect for residential consumers, will be extended to small businesses and associations by the summer of 2025. The objective is to provide you with clear and complete information to help you make an informed decision.

How to Compare Business Electricity Offers

To effectively compare electricity offers, follow these tips:

• Analyze the price per kWh (excluding VAT): This is the main indicator of an offer's competitiveness. The cheapest supplier in December 2025 is MET France with a rate of 0.1201 €/kWh excluding VAT in the Base option.
• Consider subscription fees: Some suppliers charge monthly subscription fees, which can impact the total cost of your bill.
• Check the contractual conditions: Pay attention to the duration of the contract, the termination conditions, and any price revision clauses.
• Eligibility for reduced rates: Inquire about your eligibility for reduced rates or tax exemptions,,.

Capacity Mechanism and Market Prices: What Impact?

Understanding how the electricity market works and the mechanisms that influence it is essential to anticipate changes in your bills.

The Capacity Mechanism

Introduced in France since January 1, 2017, the capacity mechanism aims to guarantee the security of electricity supply during peak consumption periods. It encourages suppliers to have sufficient production capacity to meet demand by allocating them "capacity certificates". These certificates can be bought and sold on a specific market, which influences the price of electricity.

Monitoring Wholesale Electricity Prices

Wholesale electricity prices, and in particular spot prices (short-term electricity prices), are important indicators to follow. On January 4, 2026, the wholesale price of electricity reaches 124 €/MWh, the spot price is 94 €/MWh, with a forecast increase to 128 €/MWh for the next day. The analysis reveals a decrease of 7.8% compared to the previous year, but a significant increase of 34.8% compared to December 2025. These fluctuations can impact indexed price offers.

The New Market Organization in 2026: End of ARENH and Nuclear Payments

The year 2026 marks a turning point in the organization of the electricity market in France, with the end of the Regulated Access to Historic Nuclear Electricity (ARENH) scheme,.

The Universal Nuclear Payment (VNU)

To replace ARENH, a new mechanism called "universal nuclear payment" (VNU) will be implemented,. The objective of the VNU is to stabilize electricity prices by guaranteeing a stable remuneration for nuclear electricity producers.

Potential Consequences for Businesses

According to the data in effect, the exact consequences of the VNU for businesses are still under discussion. It is crucial to follow government announcements and expert analyses to anticipate the impact on your electricity bills.

Tips for Optimizing Your Consumption and Reducing Your Bill

Beyond choosing your supplier and your type of offer, there are many actions you can take to reduce your electricity consumption and optimize your bill.

• Conduct an energy audit: An energy audit helps identify the main consumption items of your company and implement corrective actions.
• Adopt energy-efficient practices: Educate your employees about best practices (turning off lights when leaving a room, unplugging devices on standby, etc.).
• Invest in less energy-consuming equipment: Replace your old equipment with more efficient models (LED lighting, class A appliances, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am eligible for reduced electricity rates?

Eligibility for reduced rates or tax exemptions depends on several factors, including the size of your business, your sector of activity, and your level of energy consumption. Contact your electricity supplier directly or consult the CRE website for detailed information on eligibility criteria and procedures.

What is the difference between subscribed power and called power?

The subscribed power is the maximum power you can draw from the electricity grid. It is defined in your contract with your electricity supplier. The called power is the power you actually consume at a given moment. It is important to properly size your subscribed power to avoid paying too high a subscription fee compared to your actual needs.

How can I track my electricity consumption in real time?

Many electricity suppliers offer real-time consumption tracking tools, accessible via their website or mobile application. These tools allow you to visualize your electricity consumption by day, week, or month, and identify the most significant consumption items. Some smart meters, such as Linky, also allow you to track your consumption in real time.

What should I do in the event of a dispute with my electricity supplier?

In the event of a dispute with your electricity supplier, you can first try to resolve the problem amicably by contacting their customer service. If you are not satisfied, you can contact the energy ombudsman, an independent body whose mission is to settle disputes between consumers and energy suppliers. You can also contact a consumer association for help and advice.

How can I anticipate future increases in electricity tariffs?

Anticipating increases in electricity tariffs is a challenge, but there are strategies to prepare for it. Regularly monitor energy market news and CRE announcements. Diversify your energy sources by investing in self-consumption solutions (solar panels, for example). Optimize your energy consumption by implementing energy-efficient practices.

Practical Numerical Examples

Case 1: SME switching from Base option to Peak/Off-Peak Hours

An SME consumes 20,000 kWh per year with a Base option. Its annual cost is 20,000 kWh * €0.1616/kWh = €3232 excluding VAT. By switching to the Peak/Off-Peak Hours option, it manages to shift 40% of its consumption (8000 kWh) to off-peak hours. Its new cost is (12,000 kWh * €0.167/kWh) + (8000 kWh * €0.1409/kWh) = €2004 + €1127.2 = €3131.2 excluding VAT. The annual saving is €3232 - €3131.2 = €100.8 excluding VAT. Although modest, this saving illustrates the potential of changing tariff options.

Case 2: Impact of the increase in CEE

A company consumes 100,000 kWh per year. The increase in costs related to CEE is 2.09% excluding VAT. This translates into an increase of 100,000 kWh * 0.0209 * Price_kWh. If the price of kWh is €0.15, the increase is 100,000 * 0.0209 * 0.15 = €313.5 excluding VAT. This increase, although small as a percentage, can represent a significant sum for large companies.

Case 3: Investment in LED lighting

A company replaces 50 traditional 100W bulbs with 15W LED bulbs. The bulbs are on 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. The annual consumption of the old bulbs is 50 * 0.1 kW * 8 hours * 5 days * 52 weeks = 10400 kWh. The annual consumption of the new bulbs is 50 * 0.015 kW * 8 hours * 5 days * 52 weeks = 1560 kWh. The annual saving is 10400 kWh - 1560 kWh = 8840 kWh. At a price of €0.1616/kWh, the financial saving is 8840 kWh * €0.1616/kWh = €1428.54 excluding VAT. The initial investment is quickly amortized.

Best Practices for Energy Management

• Implement an energy management system (ISO 50001): This international standard helps companies continuously improve their energy performance.
• Train your employees in eco-responsibility: Raise their awareness of energy issues and good practices to adopt on a daily basis.
• Perform regular maintenance on your equipment: Poorly maintained equipment consumes more energy.
• Use building management systems (BMS): These systems allow you to control and optimize the energy consumption of your buildings.
• Actively negotiate your electricity contracts: Compare offers from different suppliers and don't hesitate to renegotiate your contract regularly.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Neglecting the energy audit: An energy audit is essential to identify sources of energy waste.
• Relying solely on the price per kWh to choose your supplier: It is important to take into account all costs and contractual conditions.
• Not tracking your energy consumption: Regular monitoring of your consumption allows you to identify anomalies and implement corrective actions.
• Not involving your employees in the energy efficiency approach: The involvement of your employees is essential for the success of your energy optimization program.
• Underestimating the impact of taxes and contributions: Taxes and contributions represent a significant portion of your electricity bill.

Impact of Teleworking on Companies' Electricity Bills

The rise of teleworking has changed the energy consumption habits of companies. While the overall consumption of offices may decrease, some of this consumption is transferred to employees' homes. Companies can implement measures to compensate for this impact, such as:

• Provide low-energy equipment to teleworking employees: Laptops, LED screens, etc.
• Implement financial incentives to encourage employees to adopt energy-efficient practices at home: Bonuses, partial reimbursement of electricity bills, etc.
• Organize training sessions on energy efficiency for teleworking employees: Practical tips, best practices, etc.

The Role of Renewable Energies in Reducing Electricity Bills

Investing in renewable energies can allow companies to reduce their dependence on the electricity grid and lower their electricity bills. The most common solutions are:

• The installation of photovoltaic solar panels: The electricity produced can be self-consumed or resold on the grid.
• The installation of heat pumps: Heat pumps allow you to heat or cool buildings efficiently and economically.
• Participation in joint renewable energy projects: Companies can pool together to invest in renewable energy projects and share the benefits.

In summary

In 2026, the professional electricity bill is evolving: excise duty increase, gradual end of the tariff shield and the new VNU mechanism. Understanding these changes — regulated tariffs, taxes, pricing options and capacity mechanism — is essential to anticipate increases and choose the right offer.

At Unisave, we decode your bills and help you identify the most suitable offer for your profile.