France's regulated tariff (TRV) in 2026: should you stay on it?

What is the TRV?

The regulated sales tariff is set by the French government based on proposals from the energy regulator (CRE). It serves as the whole market's reference: most alternative offers are advertised as "X% below the TRV".

Safety or overpayment?

The TRV smooths wholesale market swings: it rises more slowly in a crisis, but also comes down more slowly. In today's calm market it is structurally more expensive than the best fixed or indexed offers. The gap observed in early 2026 exceeds 10% on the kWh.

Our view

Staying on the TRV makes sense if you value absolute stability and EDF's historic service above all. In every other case, a 1- or 2-year fixed-price offer gives you the same predictability… starting 10% lower. And returning to the TRV remains possible at any time, free of charge. That is the law.