Electricity, gas, savings, tolls... what changes on February 1st

Rising electricity prices

Bruno Le Maire, Minister of the Economy, announced on January 21 an increase in electricity prices. As of February 1, electricity rates are increasing by 9,8% for peak/off-peak rates and 8,6% on base rates. This increase occurs as part of the gradual end of the tariff shield introduced by the government.

9,3 million French people for the regulated rate and 10,6 million people for the basic rate will see their bill increase next month.

Popular savings booklet and booklet A

The remuneration of the popular savings account will be 5% from February 1, 2024.

The Livret A rate will be maintained at 3% until 2025.

3% increase on tolls

The Ministry of Transport announced that toll rates will increase by a maximum of 3% from February 1, according to a document consulted by AFP. Vinci, the main motorway concessionaire, specifies that this increase will not exceed 2,79% on its 4 km network, which remains below inflation.

However, certain roads, such as the Mont-Blanc tunnel, the A6 Duplex, the A150 between Rouen and Le Havre, the A79 in Allier and the Millau Viaduct, will see their prices increase from 4 to 5,8 %.

Potential drop in gas prices

Although regulated prices disappeared in July 2023, benchmark prices can serve as an indicator. In France, 12 million homes heat with gas, and the new benchmark prices set by the Energy Regularization Commission seem to be moving towards a reduction in gas prices.

For gas consumption intended for cooking, hot water and heating, a consumer's variable share (excluding tax) decreases by €9,16/MWh. In addition, the variable portion (all taxes included) decreases by €11/MWh compared to the previous month.

Revaluation of the minimum compensation for internships

The minimum bonus granted to pupils and students on internships of two months or more increases by 7% in 2024. From February, the internship compensation will be increased from 4,05 to 4,35 euros per hour. For a full-time internship, this represents an increase of 40 to 50 euros per month.

Net social amount

The social net amount, displayed on all pay slips since January 2024 and on benefit statements during 2024, becomes the reference amount to declare to benefit from the Activity Bonus and the RSA.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.