Electricity prices: towards a significant increase in bills in 2026

In 2006, the French government introduced energy saving certificates, aka CEEs. These aim to force energy suppliers to encourage their customers to make energy savings through the financing of renovation work. Sector players then receive EECs which allow them to achieve the objectives set by the State and aligned with those of the EU, and thus avoid financial penalties.

Bad news, a study commissioned by the French Electricity Union (UFE) from the firm Colombus Consulting estimated that the sobriety objectives are far too high. Unfortunately, they are directly reflected in household bills.

As a bonus, we learn that the new targets which will come into force in 2026 should seriously increase the prices of various energies. Nicolas Goldberg, expert for Columbus Consulting, mentions in particular “the objective of carbon neutrality by 2050, as well as a 55% reduction in our CO2 emissions by 2030”.

The study therefore announces that the annual cost of CEE for French households could reach between €450 and €912 in 2026, compared to €200 currently. An alarming situation, already reported by the Court of Auditors last week.

As the situation became more and more complex, it considered that a reform or abolition should be considered. Furthermore, the Court of Auditors stressed that the savings actually obtained would not be fair: “The results displayed would overestimate the energy savings achieved in 2022 and 2023 by at least 30%.”

There lower electricity bill on regulated prices in February 2025 would therefore only be an illusion for French households, who must now expect a sharp increase in 2026 because of the EECs. It remains to be seen whether the system will evolve to avoid or limit the impact on consumers. The ball is in the politician’s court.