top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Progress on CSPE tax

A key decision by the Conseil d’Etat has helped pave the way to possible reimbursements

A TOP court’s decision has paved the way for possible reimbursements of the CSPE tax that individuals and firms pay as part of electricity bills.

The Conseil d’Etat, the highest administrative court, has today passed a ruling annulling a 2008 decree setting preferential, above-market tariffs paid by EDF to wind turbine owners for their electricity.

This is important because a significant part of CSPE is passed to EDF as compensation for having to pay these rates. The tariffs and compensation deal was ruled to constitute illegal state aid by the Court of Justice of the European Union in December.

The annulment of the 2008 decree should, it is thought, invalidate the CSPE which has been worked out based on it.

Lawyers told Connexion they need to carry out more detailed analysis of the ruling’s impact. It is not yet clear yet how it will effect CSPE refund claims or whether it will now require another case to be taken to the conseil specifically on the issue of the CSPE for this to be resolved.

See June’s newspaper for more on the CSPE refunds and our previous article here.

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France