French regulator introduces 13 measures for more transparent offers from electricity and gas suppliers

As part of its mission to regulate retail markets, the French energy regulator CRE aims to work towards strengthening the proper functioning of the electricity and natural gas markets for the benefit of end consumers. To achieve this goal, CRE has launched several projects to monitor the consistency of suppliers’ offers, introduce prudential rules and strengthen the consumer protection framework. In regard with the latter and the regulator’s desire to take into account the consequences of the energy crisis in 2022 and 2023, recently, CRE has drawn up guidelines to improve the provisions governing the information provided to consumers to help them choose their electricity and gas offers.

Towards more transparency

Thirteen measures have been identified, which are the result of joint ideas and understandings between the national mediator on energy issues (Médiateur national de l’énergie -MNE), consumer representatives, electricity and natural gas suppliers, and institutional stakeholders. The entire customer service process is covered, from the conclusion of the contract to its execution and conclusion. The aim is to facilitate comparison between offers, in particular by creating harmonised descriptive cards for electricity and natural gas offers, thus giving consumers the key to making an informed choice.

WHEN SUBSCRIBING TO THE CONTRACT

Apply a common categorization of offers that is easy for everyone to understand.
Provide a descriptive factsheet for each offer using a standard format.
Systematically provide an estimate of the annual bill.
Only offer plans whose prices are known at the time of consumption.
Guide the customer to the offer best suited to their individual consumption.
Present the pricing formula for the next 12 months or a price cap for that period.

DURING THE CONTRACT

Show the impact of any potential price changes on the annual bill and/or monthly payments.
Offer a revised payment schedule during the year if a certain threshold for adjustment is exceeded.
Fully and in good faith comply with commitments regarding prices and their evolution.
Make the current price of the customer’s plan accessible at all times.
Provide each customer with useful information about their consumption to help optimize it.

AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT

12. At contract expiry or renewal, propose the offer best suited to the customer’s situation, along with an estimate of the annual bill.

13. Provide, with 2 months’ notice, information related to the contract’s end in the event of non-renewal.

These steps are part of a consistent process of exchanging views and meetings. On 8 October 2024, CRE published a list of suppliers who are committed to this initiative. Almost all suppliers have chosen to adhere to the guidelines. They represent over 99% of household consumers. The remaining suppliers are invited to join them and can do so at any time. The list published by CRE will be updated as suppliers commit to the initiative.