Base Rate vs Off-Peak Hours: How to Choose in France 2026
A comprehensive guide to understanding the differences between these two tariff options and determining which one is most beneficial for your situation.
1. Understanding the Two Tariff Options
In France, when you sign up for an electricity contract, you must choose between two main tariff options offered at the regulated rate (TRV) or by alternative suppliers.
Base Option
- Single kWh price 24/7
- Lower subscription fee
- Simple to understand
Off-Peak Hours Option
- Reduced price for 8h/day
- Ideal for high consumers
- Higher subscription fee
2. 2026 Rate Comparison (EDF Regulated Rates)
Here are EDF's regulated sales rates (TRV) as of February 1, 2026 for the most common power levels:
| Power | Base Option | Off-Peak Hours Option | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subscription/yr | kWh | Subscription/yr | Peak | Off-Peak | |
| 6 kVA | €136.44 | €0.1841 | €156.12 | €0.2068 | €0.1607 |
| 9 kVA | €170.28 | €0.1841 | €200.28 | €0.2068 | €0.1607 |
| 12 kVA | €201.36 | €0.1841 | €241.56 | €0.2068 | €0.1607 |
* Prices include VAT as of February 1, 2026. Source: EDF. Rates are subject to change.
Key point: The Off-Peak Hours subscription costs about €20-40 more per year than the Base option. To be cost-effective, you need to save more through the reduced off-peak price.
3. Pros and Cons
Base Option
✓ Advantages
- • Single price, easy to understand
- • Lower subscription fee
- • No time constraints
- • Ideal for low consumption
✗ Disadvantages
- • No way to reduce the kWh price
- • Less advantageous for high consumers
Off-Peak Hours Option
✓ Advantages
- • Reduced price for 8h/day
- • Significant savings potential
- • Ideal with electric water heater
- • Perfect for EV charging
✗ Disadvantages
- • Higher subscription fee
- • Peak rate higher than Base
- • Requires adjusting habits
- • Not cost-effective for all profiles
4. Which Option for Which Profile?
Base option recommended for:
- • Studios and 1-bedroom apartments with low consumption
- • Homes without electric heating
- • People mainly present during the day
- • Annual consumption below 5,000 kWh
- • Gas or solar water heater
Off-Peak Hours option recommended for:
- • Homes with electric water heater (tank)
- • Electric vehicle owners
- • Storage electric heating
- • Families with high consumption (washer, dryer)
- • Annual consumption above 8,000 kWh
5. How to Calculate Cost-Effectiveness?
To determine if the Off-Peak Hours option is cost-effective for you, follow this simple method:
Calculation Method
- Check your annual consumption in kWh (on your bill or online account)
- Estimate the percentage during off-peak hours: with an electric water heater, count about 30-40% of consumption
- Calculate the annual cost with each option:
- Base = Subscription + (Consumption × Base kWh price)
- Off-Peak = Subscription + (Peak consumption × Peak price) + (Off-peak consumption × Off-peak price)
- Compare the two results to identify the cheaper option
Simple rule: The Off-Peak Hours option becomes cost-effective if you consume at least 40% of your electricity during off-peak hours.
6. How to Switch Tariff Options?
Changing tariff options is a simple process done through your electricity supplier.
Free change, done remotely within 24 hours
Enedis technician intervention, possible fees (~€40)
Steps to follow:
- Contact your supplier (phone, online account, email)
- Request the tariff option change
- The supplier forwards the request to Enedis
- The change takes effect within a few days
7. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Base rate and Off-Peak Hours in France?▼
The Base rate offers a single kWh price 24/7, while the Off-Peak Hours option offers two prices: a reduced rate during 8 hours per day and a higher rate the rest of the time.
At what consumption level does the Off-Peak Hours option become cost-effective?▼
The Off-Peak Hours option is cost-effective if you consume at least 40% of your electricity during off-peak hours. This is often the case with an electric water heater or electric vehicle.
Can you easily change tariff options?▼
Yes, with a Linky smart meter, the change is free and done remotely within 24 hours. Simply contact your electricity supplier.
Is the Base rate recommended for small apartments?▼
Yes, the Base rate is generally more suitable for small apartments with low consumption and few energy-intensive electrical appliances.
Official Sources
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Disclaimer: The rates indicated are provided for informational purposes and correspond to the regulated rates in effect at the time of writing. They are subject to change. Check with your supplier for current rates.