Despite stable tariffs, approximately 15 million French households utilizing off-peak electricity rates are facing rising bills due to a recent overhaul of pricing schedules by energy provider Enedis, effective November 2025. The changes, implemented under the regulation of the Commission de régulation de l’énergie, aim to better align with energy demand, but create a specific four-hour window – 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. – when electricity consumption is now significantly more expensive. Consumers are being urged to adapt their habits to avoid these peak costs, particularly as winter heating demands increase.
Many French households have seen their electricity bills rise in recent months, despite the fact that tariffs have remained stable – and even decreased. The change stems from altered pricing for customers utilizing the peak/off-peak rate option, with new times dictating when electricity is cheapest. Now, there’s a specific time slot consumers should avoid to minimize costs.
Since November 2025, Enedis, regulated by the Commission de régulation de l’énergie, has revised its rules for the most popular tariff option, taking into account a new distribution of energy demand. Certain times of day have become “sensitive” due to high consumption levels, meaning electricity used during these periods is significantly more expensive than before. This shift impacts approximately 40% of French subscribers – nearly 15 million households – who currently utilize off-peak pricing.
Heating Costs Surge During This Time Slot
The most impactful period for consumers is now between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. This is a national peak demand time, driving electricity prices to their highest levels of the day. Without awareness, bills can quickly escalate, particularly for those relying on electric heating.
This timeframe is particularly critical as it coincides with the majority of the population returning home from work. Simultaneous use of heating, lighting, cooking appliances, electronic devices, and electric vehicle chargers creates a surge in demand, driving up the cost per kilowatt-hour.
Consumers must adjust their electricity consumption to the new schedules to avoid unexpected increases in their bills.
Enedis Adjusts Off-Peak Hours
This change isn’t arbitrary. As energy costs become a major expense for households, the network manager is seeking solutions. To contain prices, Enedis aims to encourage the nearly 15 million customers using off-peak rates to shift their energy usage to less-demanding periods. The move reflects a broader trend among utilities to incentivize demand response and optimize grid efficiency.
Adapting consumption habits can be challenging. Many continue to program their heaters to activate upon their return home. However, the most advantageous periods are now overnight, between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., and during the day, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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With the evolution of off-peak hours, consumers must modify their consumption habits.
Tips to Limit Rising Electricity Bills
Adapting to this new schedule is crucial to continue benefiting from reduced rates. Consumers should consider delaying heater activation, running dishwashers and dryers overnight, and generally avoiding high consumption between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. While these adjustments may not always be convenient, they represent the primary means of managing energy costs and maintaining a reasonable level of comfort.
This change, implemented by Enedis, also highlights the importance of well-insulated homes and energy-efficient appliances. Poor insulation, coupled with inefficient devices, increases electricity demand. If a home loses heat quickly and electric radiators take hours to warm a room, adhering to optimal usage times becomes more difficult, leading to higher bills. The situation underscores the need for investment in home energy efficiency.
