France to adjust electricity off-peak hours for solar optimization

The French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) has decided to adjust the off-peak electricity hours for millions of households starting in November. Under the existing full-peak/off-peak option, consumers receive eight off-peak hours at a lower rate.

To better integrate solar energy production, a portion of these hours will be moved to the afternoon. While households will retain at least five consecutive off-peak hours during the night (between 23:00 and 07:00), the remaining three hours will vary by season. During the summer (April 1 to October 31), Enedis may schedule two or three off-peak hours between 11:00 and 17:00. In winter (November 1 to March 31), when solar production is lower, the eight hours may be grouped during the night, though some afternoon hours may still be assigned.

Enedis, the grid manager, will assign these slots based on local network capacity and operating conditions rather than consumer or provider choice. Consequently, neighboring households may have different off-peak schedules. These time slots generally remain with the meter even if a consumer switches electricity providers.