France’s Surge in Power Outages (+85%)
Rising Energy Bill Debt: A Growing Concern
Table of Contents
The national energy mediator is raising concerns about a worrying increase in interventions due to unpaid energy bills. For the fourth consecutive year,the number of disconnections and power limitations in France has considerably increased,a clear sign of the growing financial difficulties faced by French households in paying their gas and electricity bills.
Energy Bill Debt: A Continuous increase in Interventions Since 2019
With over 1.2 million interventions for unpaid bills in 2024,a 24% increase compared to 2023,the national energy mediator Olivier Challan Belval is sounding the alarm. since 2019, the increase is even more alarming: +85.3%!
this progression reflects the deteriorating financial situation of many households facing rising energy prices and persistent inflation.
| Year | Power Limitations (Electricity) | Electricity Disconnections | Natural Gas Disconnections | Total Interventions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 937,223 | 203,767 | 105,176 | 1,246,166 |
| 2023 | 736,296 | 179,185 | 87,870 | 1,003,351 |
| 2022 | 638,731 | 205,506 | 57,924 | 902,161 |
| 2021 | 448,259 | 254,422 | 82,414 | 785,095 |
| 2020 (COVID) | 252,077 | 215,124 | 84,520 | 551,721 |
| 2019 | 274,290 | 279,950 | 118,160 | 672,400 |
Source: Médiateur national de l’énergie, March 2025
Unpaid Electricity Bills: A Phenomenon Exacerbated by the Sharp Rise in Prices
The alarming increase in the number of interventions for unpaid energy bills cannot be separated from a continuous rise in electricity prices in France over the past several years.
Between June 2019 and March 2025, the average annual bill for a french household at the regulated tariff (with a typical consumption in Base and power of 6 kVA) has significantly increased, from €1,289 to €1,717, an increase of +33.2% in nearly 6 years (+€428/year).
| Period | Price per kWh incl. VAT | Change Compared to Previous Period | Annual Subscription incl. VAT | Annual Bill incl. VAT* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2025 | €0.2016 | -15% | €164.64 | €1,716.96 |
| February 2024 | €0.2516 | +8.6% | €151.20 | €2,089.00 |
| August 2023 | €0.2276 | +10% | €149.96 | €1,902.00 |
| February 2023 | €0.2062 | +19% | €143.71 | €1,731.00 |
| February 2022 | €0.1740 | +10% | €136.14 | €1,476.00 |
| February 2021 | €0.1582 | +2% | €127.79 | €1,346.00 |
| February 2020 | €0.1546 | +3% | €121.68 | €1,312.00 |
| June 2019 | €0.1531 | – | €110.55 | €1,289.42 |
* For a contract with Base option of 6 kVA with standardized average annual consumption.
Sources: Regulated EDF tariffs and Selectra calculations
Despite an extraordinary decrease in the price per kWh in February 2025, the overall cost remains significantly higher than the initial tariff of 2019. Thus, this continuous increase in the price of electricity puts pressure…
Switching Energy Suppliers and Unpaid Bills: Rules to Know
It is indeed vital to note that an energy supplier can request a security deposit or (illegally) refuse subscription due to previous unpaid bills.
Though, switching suppliers does not exempt the consumer from their previous debts, which the former supplier can recover (letters, SMS, phone calls, court order with possible seizure of assets in case of persistent non-payment).
What Solutions are Available in Case of Non-Payment?
If you are having difficulty paying an energy bill, contact your supplier as soon as possible to request a payment schedule. A large majority of suppliers offer amicable solutions, such as splitting or spreading out the amounts owed, to allow their customers to regularize their situation.
The household concerned can also request financial assistance via the Solidarity Fund for Housing (FSL). this fund offers, according to the conditions set by each department, financial support in the form of a direct grant or loan to pay all or part of the unpaid bills. An accepted request also leads to the temporary suspension of disconnection or power reduction procedures.
The national energy mediator recommends, in parallel with these individual solutions, “the return of the automatic allocation of the energy check”, suspended in 2025, to simplify its access. The Mediator also calls for a significant strengthening of public policies for energy renovation in order to sustainably reduce energy poverty among French households.
French households are facing increasing financial strain due to rising energy prices, leading to a concerning increase in unpaid energy bills. This article provides a detailed overview of the situation, explores the reasons behind it, and offers potential solutions for those struggling to keep up with payments.
The growing Crisis of Unpaid energy Bills
What is the current state of energy bill debt in France?
The number of interventions due to unpaid energy bills has been rising steadily. In 2024, ther were over 1.2 million interventions, a 24% increase compared to 2023 and an alarming 85.3% increase since 2019. This includes power limitations and disconnections for both electricity and natural gas.
Why is there a continuous increase in interventions for unpaid energy bills?
The national energy mediator,Olivier Challan Belval,has raised concerns about the deteriorating financial situation of many households struggling with rising energy prices and persistent inflation.
How have electricity prices in France changed since 2019?
Between June 2019 and March 2025, the average annual electricity bill for a French household with a regulated tariff (Base option, 6 kVA) increased from €1,289 to €1,717, a rise of +33.2% (+€428/year).
What factors contribute to the increase in unpaid electricity bills?
The sharp rise in electricity prices has significantly contributed to the increase in unpaid energy bills. Despite a price decrease in February 2025, overall costs remain significantly higher than in 2019.
Understanding Energy Price Evolution
how have electricity prices evolved in France since 2019?
| Period | Price per kWh incl. VAT | Change compared to Previous period | Annual Subscription incl. VAT | Annual Bill incl. VAT |
| ————- | ————————- | ———————————— | —————————– | ———————- |
| March 2025 | €0.2016 | -15% | €164.64 | €1,716.96 |
| February 2024 | €0.2516 | +8.6% | €151.20 | €2,089.00 |
| August 2023 | €0.2276 | +10% | €149.96 | €1,902.00 |
| February 2023 | €0.2062 | +19% | €143.71 | €1,731.00 |
| February 2022 | €0.1740 | +10% | €136.14 | €1,476.00 |
| February 2021 | €0.1582 | +2% | €127.79 | €1,346.00 |
| February 2020 | €0.1546 | +3% | €121.68 | €1,312.00 |
| June 2019 | €0.1531 | – | €110.55 | €1,289.42 |
For a contract with Base option of 6 kVA with standardized average annual consumption.
Sources: Regulated EDF tariffs and Selectra calculations
Switching Suppliers and Managing Unpaid Bills
Can I switch energy suppliers if I have unpaid bills?
Switching suppliers does not exempt you from previous debts. The former supplier can still recover the debt through various means, including letters, SMS, phone calls, and even a court order potentially leading to seizure of assets.
Can a new energy supplier refuse my subscription due to previous unpaid bills?
An energy supplier may request a security deposit or (illegally) refuse subscription due to previous unpaid bills.
Solutions for Non-Payment
What should I do if I’m having trouble paying my energy bill?
- Contact your supplier promptly: Request a payment schedule. Many suppliers offer amicable solutions, such as splitting or spreading out the amounts owed.
- apply for financial assistance: The Solidarity Fund for Housing (FSL) offers financial support in the form of grants or loans to pay all or part of unpaid bills. Acceptance can also temporarily suspend disconnection or power reduction procedures.
what is the Solidarity Fund for Housing (FSL)?
The FSL is a fund that provides financial assistance to households struggling to pay housing-related expenses, including energy bills. The conditions and support offered vary by department.
What does the national energy mediator recommend?
The national energy mediator recommends the return of the automatic allocation of the energy check, suspended in 2025, to simplify its access. They also advocate for strengthening public policies for energy renovation to sustainably reduce energy poverty.
What is an energy check?
The energy check is a form of financial aid provided by the government to help low-income households pay their energy bills.
Key Takeaways
Rising energy prices are a major concern: The cost of electricity has increased significantly since 2019, putting financial pressure on households.
Unpaid energy bills are on the rise: Interventions for unpaid bills have increased dramatically, indicating a growing crisis.
solutions are available: Contact your supplier for payment plans and explore financial assistance options like the Solidarity Fund for Housing and the energy check.
Energy renovation is crucial: Public policies aimed at energy renovation can definitely help reduce energy poverty in the long term.