20% rise in EDF prices intolerable

Plans for price rise have been condemned by an influential MP – although economy minister says a rise is necessary

Published Modified

THE president of the Commission of Economic Affairs, Patrick Ollier, has declared the proposed 20% rise in EDF prices over three years as untenable for customers, and “unacceptable”.

He reacted strongly against the plans, saying the price rise would be double that of inflation.

Consumers could swallow the previous expectation of a rise inline with inflation, or just above inflation, but 20% was simply too much.

EDF managing director Pierre Gadonneix has said that the rise for customers would ‘only’ amount to around two or three euros on each bill.

Christine Lagarde, minister for the economy, tried to smooth over the situation, saying rises are necessary for the future investments of EDF – but she said she would “reject a rise that is too rapid”.

archive

archive