This time, it’s the end of the electricity tariff shield. The change is radical to say the least. Taxpayers will no longer pay for consumers. The increase of “10% maximum”, announced on numerous occasions by the current Minister of the Economy, Bruno Le Maire, would be exclusively the result of an increase in the tax, known as excise.
Indeed, in the event that this increase in tax pressure reaches the level of the ceiling set by the finance law for 2024, i.e. 22.54 euros per megawatt hour (MWh), the increase in the regulated electricity sales tariff, the TRVE would be precisely 10% including tax for residential customers and 6.20% for non-residential customers.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) has sent its estimate of the evolution of electricity prices to consumer associations and alternative suppliers. The opportunity for the regulator to highlight the fact that market prices have fallen slightly.
As of February 1, 2024, the average level of TRVE decreases by 0.35%, compared to August 1, 2023. More precisely, residential blue tariffs increase by 0.01%, or 0.02 euros per MWh including tax, and tariffs professional blueprints drop by 3.67%. But neither individuals nor businesses should see this on their bill.
The TRVE landing point is not yet set in stone. It is a political decision. CRE communication is based on a simple administrative calendar. For a price publication on February 1, the consultation must be launched this Thursday. The ball is therefore in Bercy’s court. The end of “whatever it takes” included a repayment of advances component.
Last year, the tariff shield and the reduction of the excise to 1 euro per MWh cost more than 45 billion euros to the state budget. By raising this tax to its pre-crisis level, the government hopes to replenish its coffers a little. Even if it means making consumers pay a little more for the electricity they use.
