Business · Energy & Commodities · 5 hrs ago
France will change off-peak electricity hours for millions of homes
From November 2026, about 9.3 million French households will get new off-peak electricity hours under the second phase of a national change.
It affects customers on the peak-and-off-peak tariff, including EDF customers, whose changes may begin on 4 November and continue through 30 November 2027.
The daily total stays at eight off-peak hours, but the times can shift between summer and winter.
In summer, at least two hours may fall between 11am and 5pm, when solar power is often plentiful; in winter, all eight hours may be grouped overnight.
At least five off-peak hours will remain together at night, and customers will be told their new times a month before they take effect.
The change aims to shift electricity use toward sunny afternoons; customers may need to adjust timers for appliances such as water heaters, washing machines and electric cars.
Customers on the Tempo tariff and those in Corsica and overseas territories are not included.
France is changing off-peak electricity hours for millions of homes, with the next phase beginning in November 2026.
About 9.3 million customers with peak/off-peak plans are due to have their hours changed in this phase.
The changes will be introduced gradually, and customers will be notified one month before their new hours take effect.
Customers will keep eight off-peak hours a day, including at least five consecutive hours at night.
The seasonal schedule is intended to shift more electricity use to sunny daytime hours, when solar power is more available.
- Who
- About 9.3 million households with peak/off-peak electricity plans are included in the next phase.
- What
- Their off-peak hours will change by season. They will keep eight off-peak hours per day.
- When
- The next phase begins in November 2026 and runs through October 2027. EDF says its changes for existing customers may run from November 4, 2026, to November 30, 2027.
- Where
- Metropolitan France. Corsica and overseas territories are excluded.
- Why
- To better distribute electricity use through the day and make greater use of renewable generation, especially solar power.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The first phase changed off-peak hours for 1.7 million consumers.
EDF says it may begin changing schedules for existing customers who have not yet moved to the new system.
The next phase is scheduled to change hours for about 9.3 million customers.
EDF's stated period for changes to existing customers ends.
- Households in next phase
- About 9.3 million
- Daily off-peak allowance
- 8 hours
- Minimum night period
- 5 consecutive hours
- Summer schedule
- April 1 to October 31
- Winter schedule
- November 1 to March 31
- Excluded areas and plan
- Corsica, overseas territories, and Tempo customers
3 sources
What people are saying
better distribute electricity consumption throughout the day, taking into account in particular the development of renewable electricity production, especially solar
all your off-peak hours may be grouped at night, for example from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.