Energy prices: the trap closes on VSEs

This reflection is aimed in particular at the 1,67 million self-employed people and VSEs who currently have a regulated tariff contract and potentially 4 million of them from February 1, 2025, the effective date of the legislation authorizing all VSEs to benefit from the regulated tariff, regardless of the power of their meter.

The SDI is calling for a drastic relaxation of the capacity of very small businesses to create competition between energy suppliers.

For Marc Sanchez, Secretary General of SDI: "The issue of the cost of energy for businesses is far from being exhausted. Proof of this is the alert launched by MEDEF for large electro-intensive companies that negotiate discounts and rebates, advocate for a reduction in taxes and increased financial support for the green industry project. The question is of course which customers will pay. However, the CRE (Energy Regulatory Commission) intends to modify the structure for setting the TRVe (Regulated Electricity Tariff) from which 1,67 million independents and VSEs benefit to date and up to 4 million from February 1, 2025. Concretely, the CRE intends to adjust its price signals and therefore increase the cost of electricity with a view to shifting at least 30% of consumption to certain time-seasonal slots. Beyond the difficulty, or even the organizational impossibility for a VSE to deport its consumption ranges, the SDI recalls that, unlike individuals, TRVe contracts signed by small businesses with suppliers cannot be terminated before the end of the term without paying prohibitive penalties. Consequently, the SDI requests the removal of early termination compensation clauses in regulated rate contracts so that each VSE can easily and quickly opt for the offer best suited to its needs.