Received this Wednesday at the Ministry of Economy, the main energy providers signed a letter that includes 25 commitments “to help consumers face the energy crisis” while gas and electricity prices continue to rise.
“The energy marketers who have signed this letter commit together with the State to help all customers, both professional and residential, to overcome this crisis and, in particular, to offer energy supply contracts in the best possible conditions for consumers without the right to price shields”, we can read in the preamble.
“Make at least one commercial proposal”
The commitments assumed by the energy providers that have signed the letter extend until April 30, 2024. Among them, support for companies and in particular for SMEs that struggle to find a provider that offers reasonable prices, in a time when many contracts are renegotiated. Thus, suppliers must “make at least one commercial proposal for any addressable professional who requests it.” For its part, the State will act as a guarantor to reduce risks and ensure that each company can have an energy contract.
Another commitment assumed: respect for the principle “according to which all contractual conditions concluded, in current contracts, are not unilaterally questioned by the supplier to the detriment of the consumer”.
Providers also agree to “inform consumers of sobriety issues, measures put in place by the government, and promptly convey them to consumers.” They will also have to “play an active role” with private and professional clients “to reduce their consumption” and “improve the legibility of the professional contract renewal process.”
Limitation of production prices
Bruno Le Maire also announced on Wednesday a cap on the price of electricity for producers at 180 euros per megawatt hour, as provided for in the mechanism validated last week by the European Union’s energy ministers.
This device will allow the State to recover the “annuity”, that is, the difference between the production price and the market price. This should provide between 5,000 and 7,000 million euros, an amount that will be used to finance aid to households and companies.
“There is no reason for energy producers to take advantage of exorbitant market prices. As much as I am against a new tax, I will be intractable in recovering this rent. Suppliers will not escape patrol,” Bruno warned. Le Maire. The cap on the price of electricity production will be included “in the next few days” in the budget through a government amendment.
Source: BFM TV
