EDF Tempo Tariff in France 2026: prices, red days, savings
300 cheap blue days, 43 medium white days, 22 expensive red days at over €0.70/kWh: the full Tempo explainer for English speakers in France, with February 2026 rates and a method to save €150-400 a year without freezing in winter.
Key Takeaways
- Tempo splits 365 days into 300 blue, 43 white, 22 red, with off-peak 22:00-06:00 and peak 06:00-22:00.
- 9 kVA February 2026 prices: blue off-peak €0.1325, red peak €0.7060 (5.3 times the blue off-peak rate).
- Realistic savings: €150-400/year for a household consuming 10,000 kWh and able to load-shed on red days.
- Free to subscribe via EDF, free to leave at any time, no setup fee; Linky meter recommended but not required.
- Tomorrow's colour is announced daily at 11:00 on the EDF & Moi app. Red days never fall on Sundays, in August, or on French public holidays.
1. What is the Tempo Tariff?
Tempo is an option of EDF's regulated Tarif Bleu (Blue Tariff), originally created to smooth winter consumption peaks on the French RTE grid. The principle: vary the price of a kWh according to real grid stress. When demand is low, the rate is very attractive (blue day). When France is freezing and the energy mix relies on fossil-fired plants, the price spikes to encourage households to drop their load (red day).
Concretely, Tempo divides the year into three colours: 300 blue days, 43 white days and 22 red days. Each day has two time slots: 8 off-peak hours overnight (22:00 to 06:00) and 16 peak hours in the daytime (06:00 to 22:00). That gives six different price slots, from the cheapest blue off-peak to the most expensive red peak rate in mainland France.
The option is regulated by the Commission de Régulation de l'Énergie (CRE), which approves price changes twice a year (1 February and 1 August). Tempo had around 900,000 subscribers in early 2026, according to EDF.
Tempo in numbers
- 6 different rates by day colour (blue/white/red) and time (off-peak/peak)
- 300 blue days at a very attractive price
- 43 white days at an intermediate price
- 22 red days at a very high price, only November-March
- Off-peak hours are uniform nationwide: 22:00-06:00
2. The Three Colours and Their Rules
Blue Days (300/year)
The cheapest days, priced close to the standard off-peak / peak hours option but without Tempo's subscription premium. They match periods of low grid stress.
- All Sundays of the year are blue
- The entire month of August is blue
- Dominant in spring, summer and autumn
- Also present in winter when weather is mild
White Days (43/year)
Medium price, close to the Base tariff but with a clear off-peak advantage. They act as a buffer between blue and red.
- Mainly in autumn, winter and early spring
- Possible on weekdays and Saturdays, never on Sundays
- Announced the day before at 11:00 via EDF & Moi
Red Days (22/year)
The most expensive: red peak hits €0.7060/kWh, about 4.4 times the standard Base rate. EDF triggers them to shed the winter peak.
- Only between 1 November and 15 April
- Never on Sundays, never in August, never on French public holidays
- Concentrated during cold spells and demand peaks
- Announced the day before at 11:00 latest
- The 22-red counter resets on 1 September each year
3. Tempo price grid from 1 February 2026
EDF applied an average 6.2% increase on Tempo prices from 1 February 2026 (source EDF/CRE), with the bulk of the hike on red days (+9.2% on peak hours). The figures below cover a 9 kVA TTC meter, the most common contract for Tempo subscribers.
| Day | Off-Peak (22:00-06:00) | Peak (06:00-22:00) | Days/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Day | €0.1325/kWh | €0.1612/kWh | 300 |
| White Day | €0.1499/kWh | €0.1871/kWh | 43 |
| Red Day | €0.1575/kWh | €0.7060/kWh | 22 |
Prices including all taxes (TTC) at 1 February 2026 for 9 kVA, source EDF/CRE. Annual 9 kVA subscription: €232.56 (€19.38/month). 6 kVA: about €195/year. 12 kVA: about €268/year.
Key takeaway: the red peak price (€0.7060/kWh) is 4.4 times the standard Base rate (€0.1952/kWh in February 2026) and 5.3 times the blue off-peak rate. A single mismanaged red day can wipe out a week of blue savings.
4. Tempo vs Base vs HP/HC: the numbers
To place Tempo against the other Tarif Bleu options, here is a comparison for a reference household: 9 kVA, 10,000 kWh/year, with 40% load-shifting capability into off-peak hours and proper red-day shedding. Based on February 2026 grids.
| Option | Subscription | Energy cost | Total/year | vs Tempo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base (TRV) | ~€210 | ~€1,952 | ~€2,162 | +€180 |
| HP/HC standard | ~€220 | ~€1,914 | ~€2,134 | +€152 |
| Tempo (active shifting) | ~€233 | ~€1,749 | ~€1,982 | Reference |
| Tempo (no shedding) | ~€233 | ~€2,250 | ~€2,483 | +€501 |
Indicative simulation based on TTC prices at 1 February 2026 (source EDF/CRE). Without real load-shifting capability, Tempo becomes more expensive than Base. Compare Base and HP/HC in our Base vs Off-Peak guide.
5. Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Cheapest blue off-peak rate on the French regulated market (€0.1325/kWh)
- 300 days a year at a very attractive rate
- Realistic savings €150-400/year for an organised household
- Encourages energy sobriety (educational effect)
- Social signal: reduces RTE grid peaks and CO₂
- Free to subscribe and leave, no commitment
- Rewards heat pump owners with controllable heating
Disadvantages
- Red peak at €0.7060/kWh: massive penalty if not managed
- Requires daily discipline (app monitoring)
- Wrong fit for 100% non-programmable electric heating
- Risky for full-time home workers
- Reduced comfort on red days (heating turned down)
- 9 kVA annual subscription slightly higher (+€23 vs Base)
- Regulated price changes hit Tempo twice a year
6. Who Should Consider Tempo?
Tempo is suitable if:
- You have hybrid heating: heat pump, wood/pellet stove, or gas backup
- Your home is well insulated (DPE rating C or better)
- You can shift 30 to 50% of usage to blue days and off-peak hours
- You own a second home rarely occupied in winter
- You charge an electric vehicle overnight (heavy off-peak volume)
- You have a Linky smart meter and a smart thermostat
- Your contracted power is 9 or 12 kVA (larger households)
Tempo is not recommended if:
- Your heating is 100% electric with no programmable controls (plain convector heaters)
- Your home is poorly insulated (DPE F or G)
- You work from home every day with heavy heating needs
- You cannot compromise on comfort on certain days (young children, elderly relatives)
- You do not respond to real-time alerts or are often abroad
- Your annual consumption is below 5,000 kWh (absolute gains too small)
7. Tempo for English speakers and expats
Foreigners settling in France or owning a second home in regions like Dordogne, Provence or the Alps often hear about Tempo from neighbours. Some context for an English-speaking subscriber:
- EDF customer area (Espace client) is only available in French. Use a browser auto-translate or ask a French-speaking helper for the initial setup.
- The EDF & Moi app currently offers only a French interface. The colour-of-day notification is a simple coloured icon, easy to recognise even without language.
- Vacation homes used only weekends and summer fit Tempo well: August is fully blue, weekends often blue too, and most red days fall on weekdays you are not there.
- For chalet rentals or gîtes, brief incoming guests that 22 days a year carry a load-shedding rule; printed cards in the kitchen are usually enough.
- Tax invoices (factures) clearly break down consumption by colour, useful for itemised expense reports.
For a broader view of the regulated electricity market, see our regulated tariff explainer or, for general supplier choice, the how to switch electricity supplier guide.
8. Five steps to optimise consumption with Tempo
Step 1. Enable every alert channel
- EDF & Moi app with 11:00 push notification
- Free SMS during winter for backup
- Email reminder the day before at 17:00
- Optional physical Tempo display unit (coloured lights)
Step 2. Map your consumption
Identify energy-hungry appliances and their weight in a red-day bill:
- Electric heating: 50-70% of winter use
- Hot-water tank: 10-15% (easily programmed for off-peak)
- Cooking (oven, hobs): 5-10%
- Laundry (washer, dryer, dishwasher): 5-8%
- EV charging if applicable: variable, up to 30%
Step 3. Prepare backup heating
- Check stock of wood/pellets for stove backup
- Programme smart thermostat to 17°C during red peak hours
- Shift electric heating to off-peak nighttime (22:00-06:00)
- Use duvets and warm clothing during red peak
- Keep night comfort: red off-peak (€0.1575/kWh) is affordable
Step 4. Shift usage to blue days and off-peak
- Programme washer, dishwasher, dryer between 22:00 and 06:00
- Charge EV overnight (gain > 60% vs red peak)
- Concentrate heavy tasks (oven, ironing, cleaning) on Sundays (always blue)
- Use August (fully blue) for big consumption blocks
Step 5. Measure and adjust monthly
- Check Linky tracking in your EDF customer area
- Compare actual Tempo cost to simulated Base/HP-HC (EDF tool)
- Track number of red days triggered (app counter)
- Adjust strategy if more than 5 red days were mismanaged
Tip: investing €100-200 in a programmable smart thermostat (Heatzy, Netatmo, Tado) linked to Tempo colour automates load shedding. Payback usually arrives within the first winter for most households with programmable electric heating. See also our reduce energy consumption guide.
9. Worked example: 12 kVA family home with controllable heating
Profile: family of 4, 100 m² house, heat pump + pellet stove backup, DPE C, 12,000 kWh/year
Assumptions: 50% of consumption shifted off-peak, full shedding of all 22 red days (heat pump in eco mode + stove on), 12,000 kWh/year with 7,200 in winter.
- 12 kVA Base tariff: ~€2,700/year (subscription ~€250 + €2,450 consumption)
- 12 kVA HP/HC standard: ~€2,580/year (sub ~€260 + €2,320)
- 12 kVA Tempo optimised: ~€2,280/year (sub ~€268 + €2,012)
- Net saving: ~€420/year vs Base, ~€300/year vs HP/HC
Calculations based on EDF 1 February 2026 grid and typical consumption profile (INSEE-RTE). Actual saving depends on shedding discipline: with no active management, Tempo can cost €200-500 more than Base.
10. How to switch to or leave Tempo
Subscribing to Tempo is free, no commitment and no setup fee if you already have an EDF Tarif Bleu contract. Returning to Base or HP/HC is equally free at any time.
Online procedure
- Log in to particulier.edf.fr customer area
- Go to « Gérer mon contrat » then « Changer d'option tarifaire »
- Select « Tarif Bleu option Tempo »
- Accept the CRE+EDF terms
- Confirmation email within 7 days
- Linky reprogramming remotely within 30 days (no technician visit)
Phone procedure
EDF Tarif Bleu customer service: 09 69 32 15 15 (Mon-Sat 08:00-21:00, local-call rate). Explicitly ask for « option Tempo ». Paper confirmation arrives within 10 days. A Linky smart meter is strongly recommended for detailed monitoring.
11. Five common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring alerts during school holidays. Several red days often fall in February and March; arrange a relay or schedule the thermostat remotely.
- Carrying on as normal on red peak. 10 mismanaged red days (30 kWh at €0.7060 each) cost €210 extra, the whole blue saving for six months.
- Subscribing without backup heating. Without a stove, programmable heat pump, or gas, pure electric load shedding rarely lasts more than 2-3 hours.
- Confusing Tempo with the old EJP. EJP was closed to new subscribers in 1998, with only 22 floating peak days. Tempo is different and still open.
- Forgetting to recheck every year. Tempo profitability depends on CRE tariff changes; rerun the EDF simulation every 1 February and 1 August.
12. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Tempo and the old EJP option?▼
EJP (Effacement Jour de Pointe) was closed to new subscribers in 1998, with 22 floating peak days at a moderately high rate (about €0.18/kWh on the old grid). Tempo, launched in 2003, uses 3 colours and 6 price slots, with a far stronger red signal (€0.7060/kWh peak in 2026). Tempo remains open to all EDF Tarif Bleu customers.
Is Tempo compatible with a green electricity offer?▼
No. Tempo is exclusive to EDF's regulated Tarif Bleu. Green offers from alternative suppliers do not include the Tempo option. EDF does offer a complementary « Vert Électrique » option on the TRV that guarantees renewable origin with negligible price impact.
How many red days per year and when do they fall?▼
22 red days are triggered each year, only between 1 November and 15 April, never on a Sunday, in August, or on French public holidays. EDF may use fewer if the winter is mild; the counter resets on 1 September.
Is Tempo profitable for every household?▼
No. Tempo pays off mostly for 9-12 kVA homes with controllable heating (heat pump, pellet stove) or hybrid setups (electric + wood/gas), well insulated (DPE C minimum) and able to shed load on 22 red days. For a well-insulated flat on collective gas heating with 4,000 kWh/year, gains are marginal (€50-80/year).
How do I know tomorrow's Tempo colour?▼
Tomorrow's colour is announced daily at 11:00 via the EDF & Moi app (push notification), the particulier.edf.fr website, SMS or email subscription, or a physical Tempo display unit. EDF guarantees at least 11 hours of notice before a red day starts.
Do I need a Linky smart meter?▼
Linky is not mandatory but strongly recommended. It enables hour-by-hour tracking in your EDF customer area and makes smart-thermostat automation easier. With an older electronic meter Tempo still works, but without detailed monitoring.
What is the 9 kVA Tempo annual subscription in 2026?▼
The 9 kVA Tempo annual subscription is €232.56 TTC in 2026 (€19.38/month), down about 4.4% from 2025 under the EDF/CRE grid effective 1 February 2026. 6 kVA: around €195/year. 12 kVA: around €268/year.
What realistic savings can I expect with Tempo?▼
For a 9 kVA household consuming 10,000 kWh/year with active off-peak shifting, the annual Tempo cost is around €1,982, versus €2,162 on Base and €2,134 on standard HP/HC, giving €152-180/year in verified savings (CRE/EDF 2026 figures). A 12 kVA household on hybrid heat-pump + pellet stove can save €300-420/year.
Can I subscribe to Tempo from a supplier other than EDF?▼
No. Tempo is exclusive to EDF's regulated Tarif Bleu (set by the CRE). No alternative supplier can offer it. A few (Mint, Octopus) offer dynamic pricing inspired by Tempo (variable hourly rates), but without the red-day mechanism.
What happens if I use electricity normally on a red day?▼
Across 16 red peak hours at €0.7060/kWh, typical 30 kWh consumption costs around €21, against €5 on a blue day. More than 10 mismanaged red days in a winter can wipe out the savings of all 300 blue days. Strict load shifting is non-negotiable for Tempo to pay off.
Official Sources
Related Articles
EDF Regulated Tariff 2026
Everything about the TRV
Off-Peak / Peak Hours
The standard HP/HC option
Base vs Off-Peak Tariff
Comparing the two main options
Linky Smart Meter Guide
Tracking and automation
Heat Pump France 2026
Costs, grants, ROI
Reduce Energy Consumption
Practical methods per category
Green Electricity Guide
Guaranteed origin and rates
How to Change Provider
Step-by-step switching
Disclaimer: Tempo prices shown reflect the regulated tariffs validated by the CRE and applied by EDF on 1 February 2026, for a 9 kVA TTC contract. Grids are reviewed twice a year (1 February, 1 August). Check current prices on particulier.edf.fr before subscribing. comparatif24.fr is an independent information site with no commercial link to EDF.