July 1, 2007: The electricity market is open to individuals. Indeed, this marks the end of the FED’s energy monopoly in France… Now, competition is necessary, and every citizen is free to choose their electricity or gas supplier. The problem: Suppliers are multiplying. Offers too. It’s not always easy to navigate this freshly crushed jungle… Fortunately, in this article, we provide you with the map and the compass, so it’s up to you to find your way!
Choosing your electricity supplier: selection criteria
Which energy supplier to choose? The best, of course! But this question hides another question: how to define a “good” supplier and on what criteria should it be based to declare it so?
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We have selected three criteria: price, environmental impact, and the size of the short circuits. Of course, it’s up to you to choose the criteria that are most important to you, while the criteria that are most important to you may seem secondary.
Which energy suppliers are the cheapest?
EDF is often considered the most expensive supplier. In fact, most suppliers do not produce the energy they sell; they buy it on the European market (sometimes they take advantage of windfall effects) and then sell it to individuals.
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In contrast, EDF can only sell its own energy; this supplier must maintain its power plants, its infrastructure, and its research for future projects.
This table must be differentiated, as some energy suppliers are also energy producers: for example, Total Direct Energy and Enercoop. But these are exceptions. Another nuance is that some suppliers offer prices higher than EDF.
On the other hand, cheaper utilities are often those with reduced customer service: hard to reach by phone, customer service abroad,
Finally, suppliers like Mint Energy, CDiscount Energy, and OHM Energy are generally considered the cheapest.
Which electricity suppliers are eco-based?
A vast debate! Because between communication techniques, greenwashing, real efforts, and true champions, we must understand… Every year, Greenpeace offers a ranking of the most eco-friendly suppliers. In the top category, the “truly green,” we find, for example, Enercoop or Plüm Energy; these are the ones that only buy green energy and invest in projects that align with this philosophy.
Then there are suppliers that are “on the right track” (GEG, Alterna, Sélia, etc.), suppliers “on the right path” (Energem, Leclerc, etc.), and finally the “truly bad” (Eni, Total, etc.).
Unsurprisingly, among the least eco-friendly, we also find… the cheapest! Although, of course, there are exceptions.
Short-circuit energy:
exists In short, it’s not just about fruits and vegetables! It’s also an emerging concept in the energy field — and especially in the field of green energy. But what does this mean for choosing a local electricity supplier?
In this case, the concept of “short circuit” does not mean that power plants need to be close to households (it doesn’t matter). If the circuit is “short,” it is because there are few or no intermediaries. The supplier will buy energy from the producer at a price higher than the rate calculated on the European wholesale market. This additional remuneration allows the producer to invest in new renewable energy sources in France and accelerates the energy transition. For the end customer, the interest is to genuinely support the green energy sector while improving the origin of production as precisely as possible to localize.
Enercoop is the oldest “short-circuit” energy supplier. Other newcomers follow, such as Plüm Énergie.
****-0Are we stuck in green energy… Or the cheapest energy? Choose your electricity contract
Have you chosen the electricity supplier that suits you? Now, you still need to choose the type of contract that best fits your consumption…
Regulated rates
Since the competition in 2007, individuals have had to choose between two types of rates: regulated rates and market rates.
Regulated rates are regulated by the authorities. This is the option that most French people pursue. These rates are framed by complex rules, but they should theoretically reflect the real cost of energy production to avoid creating unfair competition with other suppliers.
Market rates: indexed
Offer The “market interest rates” develop freely based on supply and demand. Generally, they allow the consumer to save between 5 and 10% on the final bill.
However, market rates are still divided into two types of contracts: the indexed offer and the fixed-price offer.
The indexed offer can be the most interesting… but also the riskiest. It is indexed to the regulated price (in the previous paragraph): generally, it is cheaper by about 10%. Prices change every month for gas and once or twice a year for electricity. You can move both up and down.
Market rates: The fixed-price offer
In this case, the price will remain fixed for a specified period in the contract, usually, the period is one to four years. The advantage for the customer is that prices do not change. It’s not a good surprise… but not bad either! It takes no risk.
Therefore, it will be less difficult to make forecasts like calculating one’s utility bill.
Energy prices: it’s a roller coaster! How to change suppliers?
We can change suppliers at any time. There may be good opportunities (moving, buying new), but also simply good reasons (saving money, going to a more environmentally friendly supplier).
If your decision is made and you wish to choose a new electricity supplier, here is the way to go.
In case of moving: sign a new contract
Are you putting your luggage in a new location? It’s a new start and will necessarily require a bit of paperwork: new insurance, new internet box, and of course, a new energy contract.
To avoid going into darkness, first take the meter, note the serial number before estimating your consumption. Then contact the supplier of your choice to send them this information. To avoid getting lost, Plüm offers you a small “checklist for opening an electricity contract.
Supplier switches
In general, to change electricity suppliers, you just need to subscribe to a new offer. The new supplier cancels your old electricity contract offer.
Note that changing your electricity or gas supplier is always free: there are no cancellation fees from your old supplier… unless you are still under contract!
If your new contract does not suit you, also note that there is an energy payment period: we summarized it in another article.
In short, when choosing your energy supplier, it’s like “hello”! Why? So why not choose a green utility like Plüm Energy? I just want it — and it’s as if it’s done.
Not convinced yet? Feel free to check out Plüm Energy customer reviews 😉
Tag: change electricity supplier