What is the Higher Energy Council (CSE)?

The Higher Energy Council remains a body unknown to the general public. However, for nearly two decades, the CSE has been an essential link in the governance of the energy sector in France.

Through its advisory and consulting missions, this body contributes to the construction of national energy policy, in a spirit of dialogue and consultation.

Who is the Superior Energy Council and what is it for? Focus on this key institution at the heart of energy strategy.

Who is the Conseil Supérieur de l'Énergie (CSE)?

Created nearly 20 years ago, the Higher Energy Council is governed by the law of 8 April 1946, amended in 2005. The text is transposed into articles D142-21 and following of the Energy Code.

CSE (Conseil Supérieur de l'Énergie): a bit of history

The Higher Energy Council finds its roots in 1946. Its ancestor, the Higher Council for Electricity and Gas, was created by article 45 of the law on the nationalization of electricity and gas of 8 April 1946.

He was succeeded by the Higher Energy Council in 2006.. This transformation reflects the evolution of energy challenges. It reflects a more global approach to energies, including all fossil fuels, renewable energies and energy efficiency.

Established by the law of 13 July 2005 setting out the guidelines for energy policy, the CSE Takes over the missions of its predecessor. Thus, for almost 80 years, the Higher Council for Electricity and Gas, then the Superior Council for Energy, have played an essential role in consultation, of guidance And of dialogue with the State.

CSE (Conseil Supérieur de l'Énergie): the organization

Placed under the authority of the Ministry of Energy, the Conseil Supérieur de l'Énergie brings together all the players in the energy sector in France :

• Representatives of parliamentarians : three deputies and three senators.
• Representatives of local authorities : Association of Mayors of France (AMF), Assembly of French Regions (ARF), National Federation of Licensing Communities and Authorities (FNCCR), France Urbaine and the National Union of Local Electricity and Gas Companies (UNELEG).
• Representatives of energy consumers and environmental protection associations : National Consumer Council (CNC), CLEEE (association of major industrial and tertiary consumers), CLER — Network for energy transition, Climate Action Network (RAC) and Union of Energy User Industries (UNIDEN).
• Representatives of energy companies and agriculture : EDF, Enedis, ENGIE, France Wind Energy (FEE), France Hydrogen, GRDF, GRTgaz, RTE, the Syndicat des Énergies Renouvelables (SER), the chambers of agriculture, etc.
• Representatives of employees in the electrical and gas industries : unions (CGT, FO, CFDT and CFE-CGC)

The members of the CSE are designated by the Ministry of Energy, with the exception of parliamentarians. Its current president, Deputy Jean-Luc Fugit, has been in office since November 2022. He is supported by Vice President and Senator Denise Saint-Pé. A member of the Council of State, the National Energy Ombudsman and a maximum of four representatives of the ministries concerned sit alongside them.

The Directorate-General for Energy and Climate (DGEC) provides the secretariat of the body.

What are the missions of the Higher Energy Council?

The Higher Energy Council plays a advisory role and strategic direction. Consulted on all decisions relating to energy markets, the CSE advises the State on the national energy strategy.

Issue advisory opinions on regulatory texts

The Higher Energy Council is a advisory body. The scope of its mission is specified in article D142-21 of the Energy Code.

The CSE is consulted on:

• All regulatory acts from the government and relevant to the electricity and gas sector.
• Decrees and orders of a regulatory nature relating to energy saving certificates (EEC).
• The decisions of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CRE) which may have an impact on energy policy objectives.
• The Multiannual Energy Program (PPE).

For example, the CSE is seized of any draft decree, decision or decree relating to regulated electricity sales rates, CEEs, energy vouchers or even the conditions for the purchase of Photovoltaic electricity. It is also a mandatory step for the adoption of any decree issued pursuant to a law that has an impact on the energy sector.

The CSE issues a favorable or unfavorable opinion on each draft text on the agenda of each meeting. It can adopt amendments.

Advise the government

The Higher Energy Council can be seized on all questions relating to energy strategy of France, whether in the fields of electricity, gas, fossil fuels, renewable energies or energy savings.

The CSE also assesses the evolution of the share of renewable energies in The national energy mix in light of the commitments made at European level as part of the Climate Energy Package.

If the opinions of the CSE maintain a advisory value, they can be a source of proposals and influence national strategic guidelines.

Ensuring dialogue between energy actors

The Higher Energy Council meets once or twice a month. The agenda depends on regulatory news.

The pluralist composition of the CSE makes it possible toensure balanced representation of the different interests at stake. Regular exchanges maintain the dialogue between the State and stakeholders in the energy sector.

What are the differences between the CSE (Conseil Supérieur de l'Énergie) and the CRE (Commission de Régulation de l'Énergie)?

The Higher Energy Council is sometimes confused with the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE). However, their roles are quite distinct. The CRE is a regulatory and control body, while the CSE is a consultation and advisory body.

Independent administrative authority created in 2000, the CRE “contributes to the smooth functioning of electricity and gas markets for the benefit of final consumers and in line with energy policy objectives” (article L131-1 of the Energy Code). Concretely, the CRE sets regulated electricity sales rates, guarantees equitable access to networks and promotes competition by informing consumers and protecting their interests.

Through its pluralist composition and its advisory missions, the Higher Energy Council contributes to informing the decisions of the State and to orienting energy policy towards greater efficiency. In cooperation with other bodies such as CRE, the CSE contributes to shaping a safer, cleaner and sustainable energy future.