Peak hours and off-peak hours: here are the 22 red days that can cause your bill to skyrocket in 2025

EDF & ME

EDF & MOI is a free mobile application for Android and iOS, which offers detailed visuals that allow users to quickly and easily get an overview of their daily energy consumption.

• Version :
  14.14.1
• Downloads:
  36
• Release date:
  01/07/2025
• Author :
  EDF Group
• License:
  Free license
• Categories:
  

  Finance

• Operating system:
  

  Android, iOS iPhone / iPad
  

In winter, electricity consumption increases, and the 22 red days of EDF's Tempo offer reflect this tension on the network. With peak hours almost three times more expensive than a traditional rate, these days aim to encourage responsible consumption. Here are the dates not to be missed, and some details.

The 2025 calendar of red days

In 2025, EDF has already announced several red dates, covering the coldest months of the year. Here is the list of the 22 days concerned:

• January: 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29
• February: 1, 2, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28
• March: 5, 6, 7

These days are systematically excluding weekends and public holidays.

Why are red days so expensive?

EDF's Tempo offer, although favorable to energy savings for 343 days per year, imposes very high prices during the 22 so-called red days, distributed between November and March. These days, strategically placed during periods of high energy demand, require rigorous management to limit their impact on the bill.

The principle of the Tempo offer is based on differentiated pricing. Blue days, the most numerous (300 per year), offer very attractive prices, with a 40% reduction. White days (43 days per year) also allow a saving of 30%. On the other hand, red days are distinguished by peak hours – from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. – the cost of which is almost three times higher than a standard rate. This increase aims to encourage users to limit their consumption during peaks in demand, a period when the electricity network is particularly stressed. Fortunately, off-peak hours, between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., remain 24% cheaper than normal.

Removal of EDF regulated tariffs, which may change

These red days correspond to critical periods for the network, often marked by increased use of electric heating or other energy-intensive uses. In winter, when demand explodes, EDF adjusts prices to limit tensions on the network and encourage more responsible consumption. This mechanism also aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, which are urgently mobilized to meet these peaks in demand.

For 2025, these days mainly concern January, February and March, months when low temperatures weigh heavily on household consumption. EDF announces the red days the day before for the next day, via its EDF&MOI application, on its site (in source), or by SMS.

Simple solutions to limit expenses

During these critical days, adopting a few actions can make the difference. For example, reducing the heating by one degree allows significant savings, according to Ademe, while maintaining a comfortable temperature (around 19°C in the living rooms). In addition, it is advisable to program energy-intensive appliances, such as the water heater or the washing machine, to operate exclusively during off-peak hours.

Strengthening the insulation of your home or opting for additional heating also allows you to reduce consumption during peak hours. Finally, following EDF notifications via the EDF&MOI application remains the most effective way to anticipate red days.