the looming energy price surge

the summer of 2025 is shaping up to be a challenging period for french households, with three successive increases in gas and electricity prices on the horizon. these adjustments will affect both regulated and indexed price contracts,placing important budget pressure on consumers.it is crucial for individuals to anticipate these changes and take proactive measures to preserve their purchasing power.

gas price increases: what to expect

significant gas price increases are expected to take affect in july 2025.

• increase for households: gas prices will surge, with an increase of up to 10.4% for french households.
• impact on bills: households using gas for hot water or cooking will see their annual bills climb from 245 euros to 270 euros.
• heating costs: households using natural gas for heating will experience a more moderate increase of 5.5%, equating to approximately 89 euros per year for an annual consumption of 13,480 kwh. the average bill will rise from 1,489 euros to 1,571 euros.

the lemon press reports that this tariff shock will disproportionately affect small consumers already struggling with persistent energy inflation.

the disturbing price spiral

the impending price hikes are part of a concerning trend.

• consumption drop: a 20% decrease in gas consumption over the past two years, coupled with nearly 200,000 lost customers, has led to fixed costs being distributed among fewer subscribers.
• price increases: as an inevitable result, prices are rising for the remaining households.

economist jacques percebois warns:

the economic gas model is difficult to sustain, even though the energy transition requires everyoneS efforts.
jacques percebois, economist

according to selectra, the rise in gas prices is expected to continue until june.

strategies to mitigate the impact

consumers have several options to limit the impact of rising energy prices on their bills.

• compare offers: comparing gas suppliers can definitely help consumers find more competitive offers. platforms like those of the national energy mediator or ufc-que choisir allow for easy assessment of proposed prices.
• change contracts: changing energy contracts is free and possible at any time, providing flexibility in response to pricing developments.

exploring alternatives to gas

consider transitioning to choice energy sources.

• energy transition: solutions such as heat pumps, pellet stoves, or solar panels are becoming more accessible.
• state aid: government assistance can definitely help offset the initial investment costs.
• long-term savings: these alternatives reduce gas dependence and offer ample long-term savings.

according to what to choose, if the current offer is lower than the regulated price of the edf supplier, it is advisable to maintain it until the contract expires.

terminate contracts without fees

recent years have seen the simplification of contract termination processes.

• no costs or justification: consumers can terminate contracts without incurring costs or providing justification.
• react to price increases: this allows for rapid responses to price increases or the opportunity to switch to better offers, such as subscriptions to full hours/off-peak hours contracts.
• flexibility: this flexibility is especially valuable for modest-income households.

by staying informed and adapting their energy strategies, consumers can maintain some control over their expenses.

faq: managing energy price increases

q: when are the gas price increases expected?

a: july 2025.

q: how much will gas prices increase?

a: up to 10.4% for french households.

q: what can i do to mitigate the impact?

a: compare gas suppliers, consider alternative energy sources, and take advantage of free contract termination options.

q: are there government programs to help with energy costs?

a: yes, state aid is available for investments in alternative energy solutions like heat pumps and solar panels.