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France — Living: Utilities

Electricity in France is priced via the EDF Tarif Bleu regulated rate: €0.194/kWh (Base option, as of Feb 2026); alternative suppliers offer from €0.1625/kWh (~16.2% cheaper). Average annual electricity bills run €1,057-€1,723 depending on supplier/home, and include VAT (20% since Aug 2025), the CTA grid contribution (15% of fixed TURPE since Feb 2026), and an electricity excise tax of €30.85/MWh for households (since Feb 2026). Gas: reference rate ~€0.10/kWh TTC (early 2026); annual gas bills range from ~€200 (cooking only) to over €2,000 (large heated home) — expect roughly €50 more on average energy bills in the coming year. Water is managed at the commune level via contracted operators (usually Veolia, Suez, or Saur), with pricing varying significantly by region. Combined basic utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for an 85m² apartment average around €183/month.

EDF Tarif Bleu / CRE (Commission de Régulation de l'Énergie) / Selectra · Last verified 2026-07-20

Key Facts

  • Electricity: EDF Tarif Bleu at €0.194/kWh (Feb 2026); alt suppliers from €0.1625/kWh; annual bills €1,057-€1,723.
  • Gas: ~€0.10/kWh TTC reference rate; annual bills €200 (cooking only) to €2,000+ (large heated home).
  • Water managed locally by commune via Veolia/Suez/Saur — pricing varies significantly by region.
  • Combined basic utilities for an 85m² apartment: ~€183/month on average.

Costs

  • Average annual electricity bill: €1,057–€1,723
  • Combined utilities (85m² apartment): ~€183/month
  • Gas bill (large heated home): over €2,000/year

Common Mistakes

  • Sticking with EDF's regulated Tarif Bleu without comparing alternative suppliers, which can be ~16% cheaper.
  • Not budgeting for the 2026 energy bill increases (~€50/year more on average) driven by CEE/tax changes.

Related Topics

cost-of-livinginternet
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