Summarize with AI
The opening of the electricity markets in France
Mis à jour le
March 6, 2026
7
Min reading
Today, there are nearly 39 different electricity suppliers in France. It is the result of the liberalization of electricity markets.
Indeed, it is a process that began in the 2000s under the impetus of the European Union. This phenomenon continues to this day.
We can cite a recent CRE report: market offers represent around 71% of French consumption as of 31 March 2021.
In the same way as for gas tariffs, regulated electricity tariffs will disappear. Indeed, it will then be one of the last stages in the evolution of the electricity sector.
Since the end of the 90s, liberalization has extended from professional customers to individuals. As we will see, European directives have followed one another. The aim is to create an integrated market and European electricity.
Above all, it should be remembered that only production and supply activities are competing today. Indeed, electricity networks are considered to be natural monopolies. These are companies that act within the framework of public service missions.
As such, CRE plays an important regulatory role.. 20 years after the first measures, it is now possible to see the effects.
This article will be an opportunity to detail the liberalization of electricity markets. To do this, we will look at the key dates, the depth and the challenges of this process. Finally, it will be possible to take stock of economic developments in the 21st century electricity markets.E century.
When did the liberalization of the electricity market take place?
The end of the EDF-GDF monopoly
For more than half a century, the energy sector in France was a monopoly. EDF-GDF was a state-owned company that controlled the entire electricity sector chain. From production to supply, EDF-GDF was present throughout the system. This organization was maintained from 1948 until the 2000s.
At the end of the Second World War, the majority of electricity companies came together within the same company. It is in particular thanks to this organization that the French nuclear program has grown significantly. For nearly 50 years, EDF-GDF ensured the production, distribution and sale of electricity.
In December 1996, the European Union published the first directive on the opening of electricity markets. The EU's desire is clearly to disseminate a liberal economic policy to its members, in order to Stimulate competition for the benefit of the end consumer.
In any case, that is the promise made by the public authorities.
The main stages of liberalization
Thus, in the years following the first directives, we were able to witness the transformation of the electricity sector.
- February 1999: opening of the market for companies consuming more than 100 GWh per year.
- February 2000: the threshold is lowered to 16 GWh of annual consumption.
- February 2003: this threshold was lowered to 7 GWh.
- July 2004: the electricity market is completely liberalized for businesses and local authorities.
The French market has therefore gradually opened up, leaving room for the emergence of new competitors to EDF-GDF. Several legal steps were necessary in order to validate these developments. The various activities of EDF-GDF had to be legally separated.
For this reason, network activities and supply have been separated. This explains the existence of companies such as ENEDIS and RTE in order to manage French electricity networks. This separation was official as of August 2004. EDF officially becomes a public limited company (SA).
During the 2000s, competitive activities were therefore separated to stimulate competition. This was done by setting up alternative offers to EDF-GDF. However, it should also be noted that during this period, the transition system put in place in France did not seem to be sufficient in Brussels.
That's why the NOME law appeared in France.
The NOME law and the continued liberalization of electricity markets
The NOME law appeared on December 7, 2010. The Fillon government is based on the work of the Champsaur Commission to change the electricity sector.
The Champsaur report highlighted the monopoly position. From EDF. Indeed, the vast majority of French electricity is produced by EDF (nearly 80%).
The EU then saw this as a reason for the slowdown in market opening. The fact that one player was so dominant in the entire sector was an obstacle. France has therefore taken measures to comply with European law.
Access to electricity networks
Even though all types of customers could subscribe to a competing offer in 2007, there was still little growth in competition. This is one of the reasons why the State is putting in place several complementary mechanisms.
First of all, Paris complies well with Brussels requirements, by setting up a system that guarantees non-discriminatory access to networks. All suppliers can use it to serve their own customers. Managers ensure the development and maintenance of equipment, under the watchful eye of CRE. Access to networks is transparent, non-discriminatory and regulated by CRE.
The various activities are therefore well separated by different legal entities (EDF, ENEDIS and RTE). That's what we call” The unbundling ”. It is still a public service mission, paid for by the TURP. All French people therefore contribute to the remuneration of these actors.
ARENH and the competition
Next, the mechanism ARENH sees the light of day. It is one of the most important steps.
During the monopoly period, EDF-GDF acquired a solid production fleet (58 active reactors). However, these power plants were built using revenue from the monopoly. It is therefore necessary to benefit French consumers and EDF's competitors. This is called “nuclear rent.”
This provision allows alternative suppliers to source nuclear energy directly from EDF, at a fixed price of €42/MWh, with a maximum ceiling of 100 TWh for all competitors. It is one of the flagship measures for the opening of electricity markets.
This provision is now criticized by many actors. A modification is under construction between Brussels and Paris. We invite you to read our detailed article on the subject of ARENH.
Assessment and future of the electricity markets in France
In the end, the opening of markets took place in France but is still experiencing contradictions and intense debates.
However, it is possible to take stock of the current situation. What is the effect of this new organization on electricity prices? How has the energy landscape in France changed?
What is the impact of the opening of markets on prices?
One of the important promises brought by the opening of markets is usually a drop in prices. This new organization and the creation of a European electricity market are supposed to benefit consumers.
However, we note that electricity prices have increased a lot in the space of 10 years for TRV (Regulated Sales Tariff). An increase of more than 50% in 10 years. It is not uncommon to hear some critics who blame the opening of markets for this increase.
It should be remembered that the dramatic increase in regulated prices is also due to the increase in taxes (CSPE, TICFE). Indeed, the tax share has increased sharply over the last decade.
It is also important to remember that TRVs react to other phenomena. For example, this year's exceeding the limit on ARENH requests contributed a lot to the increase in TRVs. Market prices react to a number of factors.
As far as wholesale markets are concerned, over the last decade prices have fluctuated as you can see on this graph (red line).
Electricity prices react to a number of factors. It is therefore difficult to assess the impact of market opening alone. Nevertheless, today there is a genuine European market organized around the various financial energy markets. In this respect, we can cite the pooling of frequency control resources at European level.
What is the impact of the opening of markets on the development of competition?
It is undeniable to note the appearance of numerous alternative electricity suppliers in recent years. There are more than fifty competitors on the electricity market.
The latest CRE retail market observatory confirms this trend.
Regulated rates are still the majority for private customers. However, businesses (for which these rates no longer exist) choose an alternative supplier almost every other time.
However, it should be noted the increase in complaints following aggressive or misleading sales methods by certain suppliers, whether alternative or historical.
The Energy Mediator alerts regularly to these problems, which have been on the rise in recent years. It is one of the pitfalls of all Opening of markets, which should be monitored by public authorities and consumer associations.
Check out our article on The history of electricity in France to go further.
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The answers to your questions
What are the customer reviews on bellenergie Business's customer service?
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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.
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).
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.
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.
Qu'est-ce que le dispositif VNU qui remplace l'ARENH en 2026 ?
La Vente de Nucléaire Universelle (VNU) est le nouveau mécanisme de régulation des prix de l'électricité en France. Contrairement à l'ARENH, il ne s'agit plus d'un volume fixe à prix réduit, mais d'une redistribution financière des revenus excédentaires d'EDF aux consommateurs, basée sur les prix de marché et les coûts de production du nucléaire historique.
Quels sont les cas d'usage concrets des différents types d'IA pour un acheteur d'énergie ?
Chaque modèle d'IA répond à un besoin spécifique du cycle d'achat :
- L’IA générative sert d'assistant de recherche pour synthétiser en quelques minutes des rapports de marché massifs (veille stratégique).
- L’IA déterministe est l'outil de la fiabilité : elle est indispensable pour le forecast (prévision de consommation) car ses calculs sont mathématiques et reproductibles.
- L’IA probabiliste est dédiée à la gestion des risques : elle simule des scénarios (ex: météo, stocks) pour quantifier l'incertitude sur les budgets futurs.
L'expertise humaine reste néanmoins indispensable.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
L'IA remplace-t-elle les analystes en énergie ?
Non. L'IA traite la donnée (data processing), mais l'analyste apporte la compréhension du contexte (market sentiment) et la prise de décision stratégique.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Pourquoi l'IA ne peut-elle pas prédire le prix de l'énergie avec exactitude ?
Car les marchés dépendent de facteurs exogènes imprévisibles (géopolitique, météo soudaine, politique) que les modèles basés sur l'historique ne peuvent pas anticiper, tout comme on ne prédit pas le Loto.
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 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.
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.
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 is the Multiannual Energy Programming (PPE)?
La Multiannual Energy Programming (PPE) is the strategic management tool for France's energy policy. Established by the 2015 law on energy transition for green growth (LTECV), it serves as a compass for the State, communities and businesses.
Concretely, the PPE sets the priorities for action of the public authorities for the management of all forms of energy on the national territory. It covers a period of ten years, divided into two periods of five years, and must be revised periodically to adapt to technological and economic developments.
It deals with major topics such as:
- Security of supply.
- Improving energy efficiency and reducing consumption.
- The development of renewable and recovered energies.
- The electrical production strategy (nuclear, thermal, etc.).
- The balanced development of networks and storage.
It is crucial not to confuse it with National Low Carbon Strategy (SNBC). While SNBC sets carbon budgets (the ceilings for greenhouse gas emissions by sector), the PPE determines the technical and energy resources to achieve them.
Quelle est la différence entre un prix Forward et un prix Spot ?
Le prix Forward est fixé à l'avance (sécurité budgétaire), tandis que le prix Spot varie heure par heure selon le marché (opportunité mais risque élevé).
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.
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.
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.
What is the main objective of the Multiannual Energy 3 Programming?
The central objective of PPE 3 is to engage France towards carbon neutrality by 2050 by breaking the country's historical dependence on fossil fuels.
Today, approximately 60% of final energy consumption in France still relies on imported oil and natural gas. PPE 3 aims to radically reverse this trend by setting an ambitious target: to reach 60% of carbon-free energies in final consumption by 2030.
To achieve this, PPE 3 pursues three major sub-objectives:
- Massive decarbonization: Replace fossil fuels with low-carbon electricity or renewable heat in industry, transport and buildings.
- Energy sovereignty: Reduce the national energy bill (around 60 billion euros per year) and get rid of the volatility of the global gas and oil markets.
- Economic competitiveness: Guarantee businesses and households access to stable, abundant and predictable energy at a predictable cost, disconnected from geopolitical crises.
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 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.
Mon entreprise peut-elle tirer profit des nouvelles Heures Creuses (11h-17h)?
Absolument. La réforme des heures creuses vise à absorber la surproduction solaire en milieu de journée. Les créneaux d'heures creuses se déplacent progressivement vers la plage 11h00 – 17h00, notamment en été. C'est une opportunité majeure pour les sites industriels ou tertiaires capables de flexibilité.
Conseil stratégique :
- Pilotage de la charge : Si vous avez des processus énergivores (fours, broyeurs, recharge de flotte de véhicules électriques, production de froid), déplacez leur fonctionnement sur la pause méridienne. L'électricité y sera moins chère et moins carbonée.
- Autoconsommation : C'est le moment idéal pour coupler cette tarification avec une installation photovoltaïque en toiture ou en ombrière de parking. Vous effacez votre consommation réseau au moment où le tarif serait le plus avantageux, ou vous profitez des prix bas du réseau si votre production ne suffit pas.
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.
Pourquoi le seuil de 78 €/MWh est-il critiqué par les experts ?
Ce seuil est jugé élevé par rapport aux prévisions actuelles du marché. Si le prix de l'électricité reste en dessous de 78 €/MWh, les entreprises ne bénéficieront d'aucune redistribution. Cela signifie que la protection promise par la réforme pourrait être inexistante dans un marché baissier, d'où l'importance de stratégies de sourcing agiles et d'outils de monitoring comme Pilott.
Fin de l'ARENH au 31 décembre 2025 : comment sécuriser mon budget énergie pour 2026?
La fin de l'ARENH (Accès Régulé à l'Électricité Nucléaire Historique) marque l'arrêt de la fourniture d'électricité à prix fixe garanti (42 €/MWh).
Dès le 1er janvier 2026, les entreprises sont exposées aux prix de marché, mais deux nouveaux mécanismes de régulation prennent le relais, bien que leur logique soit différente :
- Le Versement Nucléaire Universel (VNU) : Ce n'est pas un tarif d'achat, mais un mécanisme de redistribution a posteriori. Si les prix de marché de l'électricité nucléaire dépassent un certain seuil (environ 78 €/MWh selon les estimations pour 2026), EDF reversera 50 % des revenus excédentaires aux consommateurs. Attention : Si les prix de marché restent modérés (sous les 78 €/MWh), le VNU ne se déclenche pas. Il agit comme une assurance contre les flambées extrêmes, pas comme un tarif bas garanti.
- Les CAPN (Contrats d'Allocation de Production Nucléaire) : Réservés aux industriels électro-intensifs, ces contrats de long terme (10-15 ans) permettent de réserver une part de la production nucléaire en échange d'une participation aux coûts du parc. Ils offrent une visibilité sur le long terme pour 50 à 70 % des volumes consommés.
Conseil stratégique : Ne comptez pas sur le VNU pour réduire votre facture en 2026 si les marchés restent stables. Auditez vos contrats dès maintenant pour intégrer une part de prix fixe ou explorer des "Power Purchase Agreements" (PPA) pour sécuriser vos coûts sur le long terme.
Pourquoi mon contrat est-il en kVA et ma consommation en kWh ?
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.
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.
Quel sera l'impact réel du VNU sur ma facture d'électricité professionnelle ?
L'impact dépendra des prix de marché. Le mécanisme prévoit une redistribution si les prix dépassent 78 €/MWh. Cependant, si les cours restent bas (actuellement autour de 60 €/MWh), le dispositif ne s'activera pas. La facture sera alors indexée à 100% sur les prix de marché, rendant le choix du fournisseur et du moment d'achat critiques.
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).
Pourquoi le mécanisme de capacité a-t-il été créé ?
Instauré en 2017, ce dispositif répond à un enjeu de sécurité nationale.
L'électricité ne se stockant pas à grande échelle, le réseau doit être capable de répondre instantanément à la demande, même lors des pics de froid hivernaux. Le mécanisme incite financièrement les producteurs à maintenir leurs centrales disponibles et les entreprises à réduire leur consommation (effacement) lors de ces périodes critiques.
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).
The answers to your questions
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