See how France’s electricity prices compare with others in Europe

France’s price cap has meant rates have stayed low - although not the lowest

France’s electricity prices are lower than those of most other countries in Europe but they are expected to rise

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Leon Xu Leon Xu

Published Tuesday 19 September 2023 - 14:02 Modified Tuesday 19 September 2023 - 14:02

Electricity prices are expected to rise in 2024 in France but so far they have been lower than rates in many other European countries due to a price cap established by the state in 2022.

The bouclier tarifaire (energy shield) has limited price increases and now accounts for nearly 42% of the true price of electricity.

The company Hello watt, which specialises in electricity use advice and is partnered with the French ministry of the Environment, estimates that without this cap, French prices would be equivalent to those in the United Kingdom, which are currently the highest in Europe.

In September 2023, French people (non business rates) paid on average 27.2 cents per kWh, compared to 46.5 in the UK, 37.9 in Germany and 34.9 in the Netherlands. Italy and Spain rank lower at 23.9 and 19.4 respectively.

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