Electricity prices could increase in mid-August
By Reuters, published on 29/07/2009 at 10:17 - updated on 29/07/2009 at 10:55
PARIS - The Ministry of Ecology and Energy would have proposed an increase in electricity prices from 1,9% to 5% depending on the case for mid-August, reports the daily Les Echos.
The increase in EDF tariffs mentioned by Les Echos - which evokes a proposal for an increase ranging from 1,9% to 5% depending on the case from mid-August - is not proven, said the minister economy. The (decision) process has not started, said Christine Lagarde. (Reuters / Marcelo del Pozo)
The EDF tariff increase mentioned by Les Echos - which refers to a proposed increase ranging from 1,9% to 5% depending on the case from mid-August - is not "proven", declares the Minister of the Economy. "The (decision) process has not started," said Christine Lagarde. (Reuters / Marcelo del Pozo)
The Minister of the Economy, Christine Largarde, however declared that this increase was not proven because the decision process had not started, while stressing that the figures mentioned were "in reasonable waters".
According to Les Echos, this increase would reach 1,9% for blue tariffs (residential), 4% for yellow tariffs (PME-PMI) and 5% for green ones (large companies).
This proposal would come a few weeks after statements by the CEO of EDF, Pierre Gadonneix, who asked for a 20% increase in electricity prices over three years or more.
The government's proposed increases will be submitted before the end of next week to the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE), which will then have eight days to give its opinion, according to the economic daily.
"Mr. Gadonneix had spoken of 20% (...) Here Les Echos mention 1,9%; we are in a ratio of one to ten, we will see. I think that we are in waters which are still very much more reasonable, "said Christine Lagarde on France Inter.
It confirmed that the rate increases would be decided in mid-August, but without taking over the figures mentioned by Les Echos.
ADJUST TO THE TIGHTEST
"The process (of decision) has not started. The price increase which was mentioned by Les Echos is therefore, no more than the 20%, a proven decision," he said. she later said at a press conference.
"The government will adjust as tight as possible so that the increase is minimal," added Christine Lagarde. "Between 20% and 1,9%, there is a ratio of 1 to 10. We are obviously in the lower end of the range (...) but it is premature to finalize any tariff."
The Minister of Industry, Christian Estrosi, for his part considered it normal that there should be a readjustment of the tariffs because of "the ambitious energy policy of our country".
"We are, compared to the current situation where we must preserve the purchasing power of the French, in any case, a phase of increase which is difficult to contest," he said on France Info.
Christine Lagarde also underlined this point during her press conference.
"So that we can continue to benefit all from electricity prices that are between 15 and 30% cheaper in France than in the rest of the European Union, because we control our electricity production (.. .), EDF obviously has to invest in nuclear power plants, the lifespan of which is to be prolonged, or which says investments means additional costs and therefore increases in tariffs, ”she explained.
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