Summarize with AI
How will electricity prices change in 2022?
Mis à jour le
March 6, 2026
6
Min reading
Electricity prices are rising all over Europe. The levels reached are historically high and France is not spared. We can then legitimately ask ourselves about the evolution of these prices in the long term.
This is a complex issue, as the factors are numerous and difficult to predict. First of all, we can cite gas and CO2 prices, or even temperature or demand. Currently, debates are also raging with regard to regulatory aspects.
It is therefore necessary to analyze a large number of parameters in order to draw perspectives. That is what we are going to try to do in this article.
Second, it is a hot topic, according to recent government announcements. Indeed, Jean Castex, the French Prime Minister, announced a 4% increase in regulated electricity sales tariffs (TRV). The situation is the same elsewhere in Europe, such as in Italy or Ireland.
Why is electricity increasing?
A European electrical system
To start, you have to remember the interconnection of European electrical systems. Europe is like a giant copper plate, allowing electrons to be transported across Europe.
Even if, in France, there are many nuclear power plants with low production costs, we are subject to variations in the prices of wholesale electricity markets. It is an interconnected market. For example, on the long-term markets, some French indices are built including German price forecasts. Les short-term markets (Intraday and Day Ahead) fluctuate according to what is happening elsewhere in Europe.
Structural factors
Beyond this interconnection of markets, there are structural factors that lead us to believe in a sustainable rise in electricity prices. The Merit Order operates in such a way that the market price reflects the cost of producing the last power plant called.
Thus, the costs of each of the producers are covered. However, there are still numerous state-of-the-art power plants in operation in Europe. These are coal-fired or gas-fired power plants, allowing To balance the network.
Network operators still rely on these often expensive power plants. Scheduled closures continue to be postponed (for example the Cordemais power plant in France). This contributes to maintaining electricity prices at high levels in the event of nuclear or renewable non-availability.
The economic recovery
The IMF's growth projections continue to rise and expect a recovery of 6% for 2021 and 4.4% for 2022. Post-health crisis recovery is important. And, on the other hand, the level of demand affects the price.
The stronger the demand, the more the prices of gas, coal and therefore electricity increase. It is true that the health crisis can evolve unpredictably. However, as long as the situation remains stable and under control, it is certain that prices will respond to the rise.
Will the price of electricity fall in 2022?
Social measures to smooth out these price changes
The use of economic mechanisms such as ARENH can help reduce the effect of increases in electricity prices.
We can imagine that, if we increase the total ceiling (which is currently 100 TWh to €42/MWh), this can reduce the cost of supplying suppliers.
If countries decide to play the sovereignty card in the face of energy Europe, they can influence energy prices. It is certain that as the various elections approach, some candidates will make proposals in this direction.
However, this seems difficult to consider, because France is fully committed to the European Union.
The evolution of renewable energies
As we have explained, what determines electricity prices are, at their core, the costs of producing electricity. We can imagine that the progression of renewables in the energy mix could make it possible to reduce average electricity production costs over the long term.
However, this is a somewhat truncated vision of reality. Indeed, the questions of intermittency and storing remain whole. As we saw recently in the projections made by RTE, even with a significant integration of renewable energies, if battery technologies do not evolve more quickly, the problem remains.
A reduction in demand intensity
Since the post-Covid recovery, gas demand has increased sharply, in particular due to demand from Asian countries. This is one of the factors behind the recent rise in gas prices and therefore, ultimately, electricity prices.
Faced with this, the gas supply from Russia was insufficient and well below the usual exports. This situation has created numerous tensions on the energy markets in Europe.
It is difficult to say whether these export cuts are voluntary on the part of Russia, but it is putting pressure on all European markets.
We can therefore hope that, if on the one hand the demand is reduced and on the other hand the supply increases, then the prices will return to their usual levels. The growth (and therefore the Asian demand) expected in 2022 is in fact less important than 2021. Analysts agree that demand and therefore prices should be impacted. It remains to be seen whether other more important factors (CO2 price, nuclear availability, etc.) will not come to the fore.
It should be remembered that these conditions are entirely cyclical, and that it is likely that a combination of several of them will be needed to take effect.
To go further, do not hesitate to read our article:”Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline: origins and impacts on the French market”
Some additional ways to understand future trends in electricity prices
The Fit for 55
The European Union recently launched a new European climate project. It is a set of measures aimed at reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. On a certain number of them, it is a question of carbon market (CO2).
The EU intends to use this tool to increase the price of CO2 by, in particular, gradually reducing quotas. This type of regulatory news adds complexity to long-term electricity price forecasts.
It is likely that this desire to reduce our emissions will push up electricity prices on wholesale markets. This is an element to be taken into account for long-term considerations.
Disruptive technology
A disruptive technological evolution could allow for a completely different development of the energy mix. For example, it is possible to see the evolution of the sector of batteries.
Indeed, it is the main element in the development of renewable technologies. If it is possible to manage The intermittency of renewable energies thanks to batteries, it will be entirely possible to consider energy mixes with an overwhelming share of renewable energy.
This could make it possible to gradually separate ourselves from fossil fuel power plants, the most expensive power plants (those with the highest production cost). We recall here that renewable energies (wind turbines and solar power plants) have an almost zero marginal cost of production. The cost of electricity is expected to be affected downwards.
The fiscal instrument
We can recall that a third of the electricity bill consists of taxes and various contributions. Rather than counting on an evolution in research that will certainly take a long time, the fiscal instrument is the fastest instrument to put in place.
A good example is the freight rate contribution (CTA). It finances the specific rights relating to old-age insurance for IEG (Electrical and Gas Industries) staff. The State could decide to reduce these specific taxes or simply to reduce the VAT applied.
To go further, do not hesitate to read our article on the” Rising electricity prices - The causes and how can we protect ourselves from them? ”
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The answers to your questions
Pourquoi mon contrat est-il en kVA et ma consommation en kWh ?
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Le kVA mesure la capacité maximale que votre compteur peut supporter à un instant T, tandis que le kWh mesure la quantité d'énergie consommée sur une durée.
Pourquoi l'humain est-il le premier levier de la performance énergétique ?
Même le bâtiment le plus moderne et le mieux isolé perd son efficacité si ses usages sont inadaptés. La technologie et les normes ne suffisent pas : la transition énergétique est avant tout une transformation humaine.
Derrière chaque kilowattheure consommé se cache une habitude.
Un collaborateur sensibilisé comprend qu'ouvrir une fenêtre alors que le chauffage est allumé ou laisser un ordinateur en veille consomme de l'énergie inutilement. En replaçant l'humain au centre de la stratégie de gestion de l'énergie, l'entreprise s'assure que ses équipements performants sont utilisés de manière optimale, garantissant ainsi une rentabilité durable et un impact environnemental réduit.
How do I read an electricity or gas bill?
One invoice consists of several elements: consumption, supplier share, taxes and contributions. The analysis of each line makes it possible to identify possible errors and to check the consistency with the signed contract.
What are the PP1 and PP2 alert days?
These are signals sent by RTE during periods of tension on the electrical network. The Sirenergies tool informs you in real time to anticipate your uses.
Why launch an energy tender?
Un appel d’offres permet de mettre en concurrence plusieurs fournisseurs d’électricité et de gaz afin d’obtenir des conditions contractuelles optimisées. C’est une démarche transparente qui permet de choisir l’offre la plus adaptée aux besoins budgétaires et techniques de l’organisation.
Which taxes are particularly relevant for farms?
Farms are subject to taxes such as TICFE or TICGN. Sirenergies verifies their application, identifies cases of exemption and accompanies the procedures to reduce the tax burden.
Qu'est-ce qui remplace l'ARENH depuis le 1er janvier 2026 ?
Le dispositif ARENH a laissé place au VNU (Versement Nucléaire Universel).
Ce changement structurel expose davantage les entreprises aux prix de gros, rendant la gestion des risques plus complexe qu'auparavant.
Il devient alors indispensable de définir une stratégie d'achat d'électricité avec Sirenergies pour lisser l'impact de la volatilité des marchés sur votre budget.
Why change energy suppliers?
Changing suppliers can allow you to benefit from more competitive prices, adapted services or better contractual conditions. Thanks to sourcing, change is happening without interruption of supply.
What is the point of following Spot & Forward prices?
This makes it possible to choose the right time to contract, secure your budgets and anticipate increases.
What are the concrete benefits for tertiary companies?
Les profits include a direct reduction in bills, strengthened budgetary forecasting and better control of consumption. Businesses gain visibility and efficiency thanks to adapted tools.
What are the energy challenges for manufacturers?
Industrial companies consume large volumes of energy for their production processes. They have to deal with the volatility of prizes, multi-site management and specific taxes. Controlling costs is essential to remain competitive.
What is energy sourcing?
Sourcing consists in identifying and analysing the offers of several electricity and gas suppliers. This approach makes it possible to obtain contracts adapted to the consumption profile and budgetary constraints of the company.
Comment financer les travaux communaux sans augmenter la taxe foncière ?
Plusieurs leviers existent pour préserver la fiscalité locale :
- Les CEE (Certificats d’Économie d’Énergie) : Un financement privé majeur pour l'efficacité énergétique.
- L'optimisation de l'achat d'énergie : Choisir des contrats adaptés (prix fixes, indexés ou groupés) pour dégager des marges de manœuvre dès la première année.
- Les aides publiques : Mobiliser le Fonds Vert, le FEDER ou le Fonds Chaleur.
How to properly define your subscribed power?
The subscribed power must be calculated according to the consumption profile and uses (heating, industrial processes, tertiary equipment). One fine analysis makes it possible to ensure the adequacy between real need and contract.
What are the challenges for tertiary companies?
Tertiary companies must manage their energy costs while guaranteeing the comfort of users (offices, shops, services). Consumption is often linked to heating, air conditioning and lighting, which requires precise monitoring to avoid budgetary excesses.
What is the difference between €/MWh and kWh?
The €/MWh is a price unit used in wholesale markets, while kWh is the unit visible on your bills.
What are the energy challenges of the agricultural sector?
Farms must deal with high seasonal needs (greenhouse heating, irrigation, storage) and high volatility of prizes. Controlling these costs is essential to maintain profitability and secure the business.
Le prix de l'électricité va-t-il baisser en 2026 ?
Pas nécessairement sur votre facture finale. Si les prix de gros (le prix de l'énergie brute) ont baissé, les coûts d'acheminement (TURPE) et certaines taxes augmentent, compensant souvent la baisse de la part énergie.
How to optimize the taxes and contributions of a community?
Communities are subject to taxes such as TICFE or TICGN. Sirenergies analyzes invoices, identifies exemption possibilities and fixes possible errors to reduce the tax burden.
How do I get a tax exemption?
Some businesses may obtain a partial or total exemption from the TICFE or the TICGN, depending on their activity and energy intensity. The support of an expert makes it possible to identify the eligibility criteria and to put together the file.
Quand faut-il renégocier son contrat d'électricité professionnel pour 2026 ?
Idéalement entre 6 et 12 mois avant l'échéance, de préférence au printemps ou au début de l'été lorsque la demande est plus faible.
What are the main taxes applicable?
Among the taxes include TICFE, TICGN, CTA, CJA and TURPE. They represent a significant part of the bill and vary according to consumption profiles. Understanding them well is essential to optimize costs.
Who can benefit from optimizing invoices and taxes?
All businesses, from SMEs to large organizations, can benefit from this service. Les local authorities also find it a lever to better control their budgets.
Comment réduire ma facture si les prix du marché sont volatils ?
En 2026, les principaux leviers sont : la renégociation de votre contrat de fourniture au bon moment, l'optimisation de votre tarif d'acheminement (TURPE), la vérification de votre éligibilité aux taux réduits de taxes (Accise), et la réduction de votre consommation (efficacité énergétique, autoconsommation).
What taxes are particularly relevant to manufacturers?
The industry is concerned by TICFE, TICGN and other contributions that may represent an important part of invoices. Sirenergies identifies cases of exemption and accompanies the procedures to benefit from them.
Quelle est la différence concrète entre le transport et la distribution d'électricité ?
Le transport (RTE) correspond aux "autoroutes" de l’électricité. Il s’agit de transporter de très grandes quantités d'énergie sur de longues distances, depuis les centrales de production (nucléaires, barrages, parcs éoliens offshore) vers les régions de consommation.
La distribution (Enedis) s'apparente aux "routes départementales" et aux rues. Elle récupère l'électricité à la sortie du réseau de transport pour la livrer directement chez le client final, en abaissant la tension pour qu'elle soit utilisable par vos appareils.
Is Bellenergie Business electricity really green?
Yes. The supplier guarantees an offer 100% renewable via the official Guarantees of Origin (GO) mechanism.
For the most demanding companies, the offer GREENVOLT+ ensures very low carbon intensity electricity, sourced exclusively from independent French producers (hydraulic, wind, solar).
What are the customer reviews on bellenergie Business's customer service?
In 2025, the supplier had a NPS (Net Promoter Score) of +16 and a note of 4,17/5.
Satisfaction is based on a “zero solicitation” model and 100% in-house customer service in Toulon, guaranteeing proximity and responsiveness that cannot be found with major historical suppliers.
L'hydroélectricité est-elle une énergie "propre" ?
Oui, elle est considérée comme une énergie renouvelable à faibles émissions de gaz à effet de serre.
De plus, l'eau ne subit aucune transformation chimique durant le cycle de production et réintègre son milieu naturel en aval.
Cependant, la construction de barrages nécessite des mesures pour protéger les écosystèmes (débit minimum, passes à poissons).
Pourquoi le kVA est-il crucial pour les entreprises ?
Parce que la puissance souscrite en kVA détermine le prix de l'abonnement et que tout dépassement peut entraîner des surcoûts importants.
Qu'est-ce qui remplace l'ARENH en 2026 pour les entreprises ?
L'ARENH est remplacé par le VNU (Versement Nucléaire Universel), un mécanisme de redistribution des revenus excédentaires d'EDF en cas de prix très élevés, et par les CAPN, des contrats long terme pour les gros industriels.
Comment l'eau est-elle transformée en électricité ?
Le processus repose sur l'utilisation de la force de l'eau (énergie cinétique) issue des courants, des chutes d'eau ou des dénivelés. Le fonctionnement suit trois étapes clés :
- Le barrage retient l'eau et l'oriente vers des conduites.
- La pression de l'eau fait tourner une turbine, créant de l'énergie mécanique.
- Une génératrice (alternateur) transforme cette énergie mécanique en électricité, laquelle est ensuite adaptée par un transformateur pour le réseau
Comment mobiliser les collaborateurs autour d'un projet de sobriété énergétique ?
La réussite d'un projet collectif énergie repose sur trois piliers fondamentaux :
- La visibilité : On ne gère bien que ce que l'on mesure. Partager les données de consommation via des outils comme l'application Pilott donne un sens concret aux efforts fournis.
- L'incarnation : Nommer des ambassadeurs énergie internes permet de diffuser les bonnes pratiques par l'exemple et de lever les freins opérationnels propres à chaque métier.
- La gamification : Transformer la contrainte en défi (challenges inter-services, concours de l'équipe la plus sobre) crée une dynamique positive et renforce la cohésion d'équipe autour des enjeux RSE.
What are the consequences of overpowering?
Exceeding capacity leads to financial penalties and can impact the size of the contract. Adjust the correctly subscribed power makes it possible to avoid these additional costs.
Quel est le nouveau record 2025 d'exportation d'électricité de la France ?
En 2025, la France a atteint un solde exportateur net de 92,3 TWh, battant le précédent record de 2024 (89 TWh).
What are the advantages of sourcing?
Sourcing offers better visibility on the market and promotes the selection of competitive contracts. It helps to reduce the risks associated with price volatility and to optimize the energy budget.
Quelles sont les nouvelles obligations pour le Décret Tertiaire et l'Audit Énergétique ?
Le calendrier 2026 impose deux échéances majeures :
- la déclaration des consommations 2025 sur la plateforme OPERAT avant le 30 septembre
- la réalisation d'un audit énergétique avant le 11 octobre pour toutes les entreprises consommant plus de 2,75 GWh/an.
Pour simplifier ces démarches, vous pouvez centraliser vos données de consommation avec la plateforme Pilott de Sirenergies, garantissant ainsi la conformité de vos rapports réglementaires.
Comment réduire la puissance souscrite de son compteur ?
En analysant votre courbe de charge pour identifier la puissance réelle appelée, puis en demandant un ajustement à votre fournisseur ou via un expert en énergie.
What are the electricity offers offered by bellenergie Business?
The range E @sy is available in four pricing structures to adapt to each risk profile:
- E @sy Fixed: 100% budget visibility without variation.
- E @sy Click: Smoothed price thanks to staggered purchases on the markets.
- E @sy Block + Spot: A mix between a secure base and a portion indexed to daily prices.
- E @sy Sport: A 100% dynamic offer to take advantage of downside opportunities in real time.
Qu'est-ce que le cosinus phi
C'est l'indicateur d'efficacité d'un appareil électrique ; il représente le ratio entre la puissance active (utile) et la puissance apparente (totale).
How to optimize taxes and contributions?
Tertiary companies are concerned by taxes such as TICFE or TICGN. Sirenergies checks the accuracy of invoices, identifies possible exemptions, and helps correct errors to sustainably reduce costs.
Quel est l'impact de ces exportations sur le prix de l'électricité pour les entreprises ?
L'abondance de production française tire les prix du marché de gros vers le bas.
En vertu du mécanisme de l'Ordre de Mérite (Merit Order), les centrales les moins coûteuses (nucléaire, renouvelables) couvrent la demande plus souvent, évinçant les centrales à gaz ou charbon plus onéreuses.
Cela multiplie les épisodes de prix bas, voire négatifs, sur le marché spot.
Quel est l'impact réel de la rénovation de l'éclairage public ?
C'est le levier le plus rapide pour obtenir des résultats visibles. L'éclairage représente environ 40 % de la consommation d'électricité d'une commune.
Passer au LED avec pilotage intelligent permet de réduire la facture de 50 à 80 %, avec un retour sur investissement (ROI) rapide, souvent estimé à 2 ou 3 ans.
Pourquoi la France a-t-elle exporté un volume record d'électricité en 2025 ?
Ce record de 92,3 TWh s'explique par la conjonction de trois facteurs :
- Le redressement du parc nucléaire : Après les problèmes de corrosion sous contrainte de 2022, la production nucléaire a retrouvé une forte disponibilité (373 TWh).
- L'essor des renouvelables : Une capacité installée en hausse (solaire et éolien) et une production hydraulique solide.
- Une consommation intérieure atone : La demande française reste inférieure de 6 % à la moyenne historique, créant un surplus massif disponible pour nos voisins.
The answers to your questions
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