Off-peak electricity hours to change for millions in France – how to adapt

Millions of Enedis customers in France will see their off-peak hours change as the second phase of a national off-peak hours reform takes effect in December.

The changes are set to affect 9.3 million additional customers who have a heures pleines/heures creuses electricity contract, after the first phase, introduced between November 2025 and May 2026, affected around 1.7 million customers.

However, the rollout will be gradual, continuing until the end of October 2027, so not everyone will see their hours change on December 1.

The reform is led by electricity network operator Enedis at the request of the Commission de régulation de l'énergie, France’s energy regulator.

The aim is to encourage people to use electricity when it is most abundant, especially during periods of peak solar power production.

Electricity is cheaper during these hours, making it possible to save money by running appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers, or heating water, during these periods.

Customers with a heures pleines/heures creuses contract have eight off-peak hours and 16 peak hours each day.

Traditionally, most off-peak hours have been scheduled overnight, when demand for electricity was lower.

However, the growth of solar power means electricity surplus is now also available during certain daytime periods.

What will the new off-peak hours be?

This second phase introduces seasonal schedules, meaning off-peak hours may be distributed differently in summer and winter.

Customers will continue to have eight off-peak hours per day, including at least five consecutive hours overnight.

In winter, from November 1 to March 31, off-peak hours will fall between 11:00 and 17:00 during the day and between 21:00 and 07:00 overnight.

In summer, from April 1 to October 31, they will fall between 10:00 and 18:00 during the day and between 23:00 and 7:00 overnight.

These are the periods within which off-peak hours can be allocated, not eight additional hours.

For example, a customer might have six off-peak hours overnight and two during the day in winter, then five overnight and three during the day in summer.

The exact schedule will not be the same for every household, but will depend on location and network requirements. Customers cannot choose their own off-peak hours.

Additionally, phase-one customers will keep the same hours all year round. 

How will you know if your off-peak hours are changing?

Your electricity supplier will notify you of your new off-peak hours around one month before they take effect.

You can also check your schedule through your electricity contract, bills or your supplier's online customer account.

Another reminder will then be sent before the transition to the summer schedule on April 1, 2027.

What can you do to adapt?

Once you receive your new schedule, you can check which appliances you can use during these off-peak hours.

For example, you can run washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers during these hours where possible.

Additionally, you can programme equipment such as programmable electrical sockets, electric vehicle charging points, heating and air-conditioning systems, and swimming pool equipment to operate during these hours.

Electric water heaters connected to an off-peak contractor controlled by the Linky meter should automatically adapt to the new hours.