The role of the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE)

The CRE (Commission for Energy Regulation) is an independent administrative authority responsible in France for controlling The opening of the gas and electricity markets. A true energy policeman, this public body regulates relationships between distribution network managers, electricity and gas suppliers and customers.

SirEnergies makes you discover the role and main missions of CRE in a few minutes!

What is CRE?

The Energy Regulatory Commission is a independent administrative authority whose aim is to ensure the proper functioning of energy markets in France (gas and electricity). Its creation date dates back to March 24, 2000. It follows the law of 10 February 2000 relating to the modernization and development of the public electricity service.

What is the role of CRE?

The CRE was created to meet the challenges presented by the opening of the French electricity and gas markets to competition. This openness meets the Community requirements of the European Union, whose aim is to create a single market of energy on a European scale. Since 2007, the French have therefore been free to choose their energy supplier, whereas previously EDF-GDF was in a monopoly situation.

The creation of a competitive energy market has made it necessary to have a public body in charge of regulating this market.

Who makes up the Energy Regulatory Commission?

The CRE is divided into two independent bodies: the Middle school And the CoRDiS :

• The Middle school is the thinking head of the CRE. It has five members, who are appointed by the President of the Republic, the Minister for Overseas Territories, the President of the National Assembly and the President of the Senate. The role of the college is to set the main guidelines of the CRE, and to adopt decisions and opinions. Their term of office lasts 6 years and is not renewable.
• The CoRDiS (Dispute Resolution and Sanctions Committee) is composed of four members: two councillors of State and two advisers to the Court of Cassation. The role of CoRDiS is to settle disputes between users and managers of public energy distribution networks (gas and electricity). It is also responsible for punishing infringements of the Energy Code.

What are the different missions of the Energy Regulatory Commission?

The CRE is responsible for various missions, which aim to establish an energy market transparent and efficient. This involves managing relationships between the various players in this market as well as protecting consumers. The ultimate goal of opening markets remains in fact to lower the electricity and gas bills of businesses, communities and individuals, while ensuring them a quality service!

Regulation of electricity and gas networks

While the energy market in France is open to competition, distribution networks remain Uniques. Of course, each supplier cannot create their own infrastructures! They therefore use all the networks that were historically owned by EDF-GDF and must be able to exercise this right under good conditions. Fairness must be respected between them, both in terms of access as well as use and services.

CRE ensures that network managers do not favour one user over others. To do this, it sets the delivery rates through the TURP (Tariff for the Use of the Public Electricity Network). In addition, it ensures that the network manager implements the essential maintenance and modernization projects. Finally, it ensures the total independence of these network operators in relation to the various operators, in particular those that depend on the same parent company.

The regulation of energy markets (electricity and natural gas)

The CRE ensures the legality transactions carried out on the electricity and natural gas markets. She is in charge of the regulation of wholesale markets, which concern transactions between managers and suppliers. In particular, the CRE monitors The CO2 market which was put in place in order to reduce the production of greenhouse gases.

The Energy Regulatory Commission also regulates retail markets by regulating the offers made to end customers, in particular through the establishment of regulated tariffs.

She also created the function of National Energy Ombudsman. The role of this mediator is to settle disputes between consumers and suppliers in connection to networks and contracts for the supply of electricity and gas.

The CRE has also set up rulemaking REMIT which aims to ensure that no energy player manipulates the financial markets. The dialogue is ongoing between CRE and all players in the energy markets through public consultations and other working groups.

Consumer information

In a competitive energy market, it is not always easy for consumers to know who to turn to! Among the objectives of CRE are to provide consumers with transparent information on energy sector news, new upcoming reforms and easy to read materials for anyone who wants to learn more about this sector.

The CRE ensures this mission, in particular through its website by publishing deliberations on a regular basis. In addition, it publishes on its site the changes in regulated rates each month.

The construction of a European energy market

CRE actively participates in the construction of a genuine energy market at the level of the European Union.

The aim is to ensure the energy supply of all Member States, to guarantee a quality service and competitive prices to all consumers, and to make the energy transition a success.

This includes the development of renewable energies, the improvement of energy efficiency and the implementation of energy saving strategies.

How do I contact CRE?

The consumer can contact the CRE for any questions relating to possible problems with his gas or electricity supplier, taxes (requests for reimbursement from the CSPE for example) or any other questions concerning his personal data:

• by phone, on 01 44 50 41 00
• by post to the following address:
  Energy Regulatory Commission
  Department of Communication
  15 Pasquier Street
  75379 Paris Cedex 08

Because of the diversity of services offered by CRE, the best way to find out more is to go to this contact form. You will find all the useful contact details according to your needs.