Business Electricity: Why Companies Should Revisit Contracts in 2026
After two years marked by the energy crisis, the electricity market has entered a more transparent phase, though not necessarily a simpler one for businesses. The decrease in wholesale price tensions does not mean that bills will automatically stabilize. In 2026, professionals must contend with multiple factors simultaneously: changes in network tariffs, the end of the old ARENH mechanism, a greater number of market offers, sometimes complex contractual clauses, and significant differences depending on consumption profiles.
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Network Rates Set to Change
The topic is back in the news with the upcoming changes to public electricity network usage fees. The Energy Regulatory Commission has indicated that the TURPE tariffs will change on August 1, 2026, with an average increase of 3.04% for the distribution network and 3.34% for the transmission network. For customers still affected by regulated tariffs, this change would represent, all else being equal, approximately a 1% increase on the regulated sales tariffs.
A Decision Beyond the Cost per Kilowatt-Hour
For businesses, the stakes go beyond simply comparing the price per kilowatt-hour. An offer that appears cheaper can turn out to be less suitable if it doesn't account for the subscribed power, the distribution of consumption throughout the day, additional fees, or contract termination conditions. Choosing an electricity provider thus becomes a genuine management issue, particularly for shops, offices, workshops, hotels, restaurants, condominiums, or small industries whose consumption varies significantly depending on the season or time of day.
Moreover, the National Energy Mediator reminds professionals that they should not compare only the displayed price. It's also important to consider the projected rate changes, customer service quality, available payment methods, late payment fees, potential early termination penalties, and the contract duration. Some professional contracts may include exit fees, especially when the provider has purchased or reserved energy for the entire contract period. This point is far from trivial when considering changing offers.
Market Offers to Examine Line by Line
The situation is all the more sensitive because regulated tariffs no longer apply to all professionals. In the electricity sector, these tariffs remain accessible under certain conditions, particularly for some micro-enterprises, while structures that do not meet these criteria must turn to market offers. These offers can have fixed prices, be indexed to a public reference, be linked to wholesale markets, or be based on other contractual terms. The difference is significant: in a fixed-price offer, the energy price can be locked in for a specific period, but taxes, the subscription fee, or certain regulatory components may still change. In an indexed offer, the bill follows a reference provided for in the contract.
An Expense That Can No Longer Be Treated as Secondary
This new setup requires a more detailed analysis of invoices. The subscription fee, often less discussed than the kilowatt-hour price, can be significant for companies with high power demand but irregular consumption. Conversely, a very high-consumption company would benefit from focusing on the variable portion, peak and off-peak hours, and any possibilities to adjust operations to the least expensive periods.
The best approach is to start with one's own data: consumption history, actual power usage, seasonality, operating hours, number of sites, and future needs. This effort helps to avoid two common mistakes: choosing an offer solely based on an introductory price or sticking with a contract that has become unsuitable due to a lack of time.
As the components of the bill remain variable, energy can no longer be treated as a secondary administrative expense.
For professionals, 2026 is not merely a year of post-crisis normalization. It is a period of sorting. Companies capable of reviewing their contracts, anticipating tariff changes, and comparing offers comprehensively will better control their budget. Others risk finding out too late that the electricity bill also hinges on the fine print.
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This content has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence. While we strive for accuracy, some nuances may differ from the original French version.
