France Faces Potential 19% Electricity Price Hike in 2026, Consumer Group Warns

UFC-Que Choisir predicts significant cost increases under a new pricing mechanism, while the government disputes the findings.

The new electricity pricing mechanism, set to replace the current system in January 2026, is projected by UFC-Que Choisir to increase household bills by an average of 19%, or up to €250 annually for a typical household.
The reform ends the Arenh system, which required EDF to sell nuclear electricity at a fixed low price, and instead ties prices to volatile wholesale market rates.
The consumer group criticizes the reform as favoring EDF while inadequately redistributing profits to offset consumer costs, particularly for households reliant on electric heating or in poorly insulated homes.
Government officials reject UFC-Que Choisir's findings, arguing that the calculations are speculative and fail to account for stabilization measures included in the 2025 budget law.
Calls are growing for a public electricity service and an independent commission to reassess market regulation, as concerns over affordability and fairness mount.