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Professionals: how to anticipate the end of ARENH?
Mis à jour le
February 24, 2026
8
Min reading
The countdown is on.
On December 31, 2025, ARENH will bow out, fifteen years after its creation. From the 1Er January 2026, the rules of the game are changing. 100% of electricity will have to be purchased at market prices, with the associated risks of volatility.
For businesses, communities and professionals, the challenge is clear: anticipate, act and not suffer. This shift is being prepared now!
Why the end of ARENH? What are the consequences on electricity prices? What is it being replaced by? Discover our comprehensive guide to making the right decisions, securing your costs and avoiding unpleasant surprises in 2026.
Why is ARENH ending in 2025?
THE ARENH (Regulated Access to Historic Nuclear Electricity) was set up in 2011 by the NOME law, to support the opening up of the electricity market to competition. Its lifespan, set at fifteen years, was confirmed as early as 2015 by the Energy Transition Law for Green Growth (LTECV).
The founding principles of ARENH: equity and accessibility
Since its creation, ARENH has always been guided by two principles:
- Ensuring fair competition between EDF and alternative suppliers, by authorizing the latter to buy a portion of nuclear electricity at a regulated rate.
- Control electricity rates, thanks to the purchase of nuclear electricity at a fixed price of €42 per MWh, lower than wholesale market prices.
Capped at 100 TWh, the ARENH volume covered nearly a third of national consumption each year.
ARENH: a useful but controversial device
Despite its flaws and weaknesses, ARENH has helped to Containing the rise electricity prices for consumers.
He also gave budget visibility to businesses and professionals.
However, this device has never been unanimously accepted..
Its detractors - including EDF, electricity producers and the European Union - have continued to highlight its limitations:
- Degraded profitability for EDF: The sale of part of its nuclear electricity at a fixed price, lower than market prices and production costs, reduces EDF's margins and limits its investment capacity.
- Biased competition : with their higher production costs, small electricity producers are struggling to compete with the regulated tariff for nuclear electricity, which is hampering the development of renewable energies.
- A disguised grant? : ARENH creates a competitive imbalance in favor of alternative suppliers who benefit from cheaper electricity, without bearing the risks and production costs.
End of ARENH: what are the consequences for electricity prices in 2026?
From the 1Er January 2026, businesses will have to buy 100% of their electricity at market prices.
Today, one question challenges all businesses: How will electricity rates change?
Two major visions clash.
Price increase or stability after ARENH?
A real risk of rising prices
In a February 2025 press release, The UFC-Que choosing fears a “massive rise” electricity tariffs from 2026.
She estimates it on average at + 19%, or 250 euros extra per year for an average household.
If these forecasts based on 2025 market conditions are to be taken with caution, mathematical analysis would confirm an inevitable rise in prices.
For some experts, the calculation is simple: the ARENH was €42/MWh.
However, the lowest market forecasts for 2026 indicate prices around €60/MWh.
Mechanically, the post-ARENH increase would therefore represent 8 to 10 €/MWh (based on an ARENH fee of 50%).
A price stability scenario
Other voices want to be more optimistic. La fall in market prices, already observed for 2026, should compensate for the end of ARENH.
The government shares this reading, highlighting the various tools created to stabilize post-ARENH prices.
According to the Ministry of Finance, “The payment to the consumer provided for by the finance law for 2025 leads to a TRV level of 1Er January 2026 almost identical to the current level”.
The supply that is smoothed over two years should also cushion market fluctuations.
Which professionals will be the most impacted by the end of ARENH?
The end of ARENH does not weigh on all businesses in the same way.
- Electro-intensive industries (iron and steel, metallurgy, chemistry) are on the front line.
With 30% of their production costs linked to electricity, an increase of 8 to 10€ per MWh could be enough to threaten their international competitiveness. - Large companies, ETI and large communities, excluded from regulated tariffs, could also be hit hard by price volatility. Adopting a proactive purchasing strategy is no longer an option, but a necessity, otherwise there will be sudden increases.
- Small communities, SMEs, small businesses, artisans and retailers can already benefit from a safety net, with regulated sales rates (TRV) made more accessible since the 1Er February 2025 and the removal of the power criterion. Two conditions must be met: less than ten employees and a turnover (or revenue) of less than 2 million euros.
What new mechanisms for electricity after ARENH?
Two new regulatory mechanisms must replace the ARENH starting from the 1Er January 2026.
But only three months before their entry into force, their outlines remain vague, fuelling debates and concerns, in an unstable and unreassuring political context.
Universal Nuclear Payment: a redistribution mechanism
Universal Nuclear Payment (UNV) will apply to all consumers in 2026. UNV is based on a mechanism of taxation — redistribution.
It must limit the surge in prices for consumers, while ensuring that EDF has sufficient income to develop the nuclear fleet.
How will taxation — redistribution work?
Concretely, EDF will sell all of its nuclear production at market prices.
If this price exceeds production costs (estimated at €60.3/MWh for 2026-2028 by the Commission de Régulation de l'Énergie - CRE), EDF will have to pay back part of its excess income to the state.
Two thresholds are envisaged:
- Beyond a market price of 78 to 80 €/MWh, EDF would donate 50% of its excess income.
- Above €100 to €110/MWh, EDF would pay 90% of the difference.
The amount will then be redistributed to consumers, in the form of automatic discounts, calculated in euros per MWh. A specific “VNU” line will appear on the electricity bill.
Shadow areas that worry...
The administrative machine is now in operation.
As evidenced by a First decree published in September 2025 on methods for calculating nuclear production costs.
But, a few weeks before the changeover, the vagueness that still reigns over UNV is fuelling concerns:
- A mechanism that is neither contractual nor guaranteed: Paid a posteriori, the reduction Will vary based on market prices and production volumes. The result: reduced budgetary visibility for businesses and households.
- Redistribution arrangements pending a decree and subject to interpretation: for example, the frequency of payment of UNV or the methods of calculation is still unknown.
- Unfinalized arbitrations, in particular the redistribution thresholds applied to EDF.
CAPNs: long-term contracts for major manufacturers
Nuclear Production Allocation Contracts (CAPN) concern a minority of customers, whose electricity consumption exceeds 7 GWh per year.
Signed with EDF, the CAPN is a long-term contract (10 to 15 years) that guarantees large consumers:
- A secure supply in carbon-free electricity of nuclear origin, with a volume limited to 10 TWh per year.
- A more stable price, based on real production costs, not on volatile markets.
In return, industrial consumers agree to sharing some of the costs and risks, via the payment of a deposit at the start of the contract and a variable portion, indexed to operating and fuel costs.
Despite these attractive promises, the CAPN was slow to take off, due to a lack of visibility and because of the sharing of risks.
But since the summer of 2025, signatures have been accelerating, a sign that manufacturers are looking to secure their costs in the long term.
What strategies to anticipate the end of ARENH right now?
Volatile prices, unpredictable bills, uncertain regulatory mechanisms: the disappearance of ARENH signals the end of a protective model for businesses.
A profound transformation is in the works. The key to not suffering it?
Anticipate now by adopting a proactive procurement and procurement strategy.
Adopt a proactive purchasing strategy
Renegotiate your electricity contracts now
Buy the right product at the right time is the basis of an effective energy procurement strategy.
With Lowest market prices for 2026 and 2027, it may be time to renegotiate your electricity contracts.
According to Emmanuel Sire's analysis, buying at this price is “buy below the price of ARENH revalued taking into account inflation since 2012”.
However, vigilance is required. A return to the market is always possible, in view of global geopolitical instability.
Favour long-term or fixed-price contracts
What if you secured your prices over the long term to maintain your budgetary visibility and protect yourself from market fluctuations?
The end of ARENH is a certainty. Your energy strategy should not be a source of uncertainty. It is no longer time for waiting, but for action. Our experts are ready to audit your situation and work with you to build a clear road map for 2026.
[Schedule a 30-minute strategic interview]
The long-term contracts of 3 to 5 years are multiplying today. It is an opportunity worth seizing. Their less volatile prices more reflect the market fundamentals only external and conjunctural events.
Mutualize your purchases through a group purchase of energy
Group energy purchases allow businesses, professionals and communities to pool their volumes, and therefore to benefit from better pricing and contractual conditions.
This winning strategy simplifies the procedures by delegating the negotiation and analysis of offers to an intermediary. However, it makes it impossible to design a personalized offer.
Diversifying your supply sources
Choosing solar self-consumption
Producing and consuming part of your electricity reduces market dependence. Thanks to photovoltaic installations, self-consumption is now available to all businesses and professionals.
Already guaranteed today, the return on investment could accelerate with the rise in electricity prices on the markets.
Opt for a PPA
Another sustainable and safe option to study: power purchase agreements (PPAs). These green electricity supply contracts are concluded directly with renewable energy producers.
In the long term, PPAs offer numerous advantages:
- One stability prices over the long term, from 10 to 30 years.
- One securing supplies.
- One rollback Of vulnerability at the wholesale market.
- One carbon-free electricity, which can be used in your CSR and energy transition policy.
Focus on energy efficiency to reduce your consumption
The cheapest electricity is the one you don't use. This oft-quoted formula recalls a simple truth: the best way to withstand price instability is to reduce consumption.
The adoption of eco-gestures by your employees is a first step. But this evidence requires rethink all energy consumption globally of your business, via:
- Targeted investments in energy efficiency (thermal insulation of buildings, choice of more efficient equipment, etc.)
- An integration of the imperative of ecological performance into production processes.
- One structuring your energy management
Get support from an energy expert
Technical, complex and fast-paced, are you worried about the environment in the electricity sector? Don't stay alone.
An expert helps you negotiate your contracts, analyze the markets, buy your electricity properly or manage your energy strategy effectively.
At the end of the day, a Time saver, of optimized purchases, Of secure supplies, of risks avoided And a reduced electricity bill.
At Sirenergies, it's our job.
As an energy consulting and sourcing firm, we support companies, professionals and communities every day in their energy decisions.
Clarity, expertise, transparency are our key words to help you better control a constantly changing electricity market.
To find out more, click here.
To conclude...
The disappearance of ARENH marks a profound change for businesses, communities and professionals. Regulated rates give way to a market that is 100% exposed to price volatility. In addition, there are regulatory uncertainties, which are a source of many questions. But this upheaval is not inevitable. It offers the opportunity to rethink your energy strategy. Between renegotiation of contracts, diversification of supplies, group purchases or self-consumption, there are numerous levers to secure your costs and regain visibility. On one condition: take action today.
With Sirenergies, anticipate and structure your energy strategy today to better control tomorrow.
Take the first step towards optimization
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The answers to your questions
Comment financer les travaux communaux sans augmenter la taxe foncière ?
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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.
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).
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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).
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The answers to your questions
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