Reduction in the regulated electricity tariff despite the end of the tariff shield

1 February 2025 will mark the end of the electricity tariff shield, but there is good news for households: the regulated tariff is set to fall by 14% for private customers, according to a decree published on Saturday. This reduction has been made possible by the fall in electricity prices on international markets, which will benefit the 22.4 million households and businesses subscribing to the regulated tariff (TRV).

The decree also formalises the increase in electricity tax (excise duty) to its pre-crisis level, i.e. €33.70 per megawatt-hour, compared with €22 at present. However, contrary to what was initially envisaged, no new surcharge will be applied.

The end of a controversial project

In the draft 2025 budget, Michel Barnier’s government had planned to increase this tax in order to generate €3.4 billion to cover the public deficit. This would have limited the tariff reduction to just 9%. But this measure, which was widely contested in Parliament, was abandoned at the end of November, after strong pressure, particularly from the RN and LFI.

So, despite the end of the tariff shield, consumers will benefit from a significant reduction in their electricity bills. A return to lower tariffs is therefore assured, thanks to falling prices on the energy markets, while protecting households from the dreaded surtax.