FAQ
- 1. Who was affected by the market liberalization of 1 July 2004?
- 2. What are the real consequences of this partial liberalisation?
- 3. How much of the French market was liberalised by 1 October 2005?
- 4. What is the procedure for changing supplier?
- 5. Who should you sign a contract with?
1. Who was affected by the market liberalization of 1 July 2004?
The liberalization of 1 July 2004 affected private and public companies, professionals (small manufacturers, traders, liberal professions) and local authorities which, on this day, became 'eligible' - i.e. they were now free to choose a natural gas and electricity supplier. The liberalization of 1 July 2007 concerns household customers who will also become 'eligible' at that date.
Top2. What are the real consequences of this partial liberalisation?
'Eligible' customers can compare a number of different suppliers and choose the one that best meets their individual needs. In practice, there are three possible options: customers can stay with the same supplier at the regulated tariff or else reject that tariff and either renegotiate their contract with their existing supplier or negotiate a new contract with a new supplier.
Top3. How much of the French market was liberalised by 1 October 2005?
On 1 October 2005, the sites already taking advantage of eligibility accounted for around 46% of eligible volume in France (= 176 out of 380 TWH*). Some 26 %* of these sites are now being supplied by an alternative provider. (*source: CRE)
Top4. What is the procedure for changing supplier?
The main steps to undertake by a customer are :
- first, to assess its own individual needs and consumption profile;
- then, to analyse in detail the various offers available and weigh up the arguments.
- Once the choice is made, he/she terminates the old contract and signs a new one with his/her chosen supplier.
5. Who should you sign a contract with?
The European directive imposing the legal separation of gas generation, transmission, distribution and sales activities offers two possibilities :
- In most cases, your supplier remains your only point of contact: you conclude a supply contract with that supplier, which also covers gas transmission.
- However, you can also opt for two separate contracts: one with your supplier and one with the system operator. The latter contract sets out the conditions for gas supply, access and interventions, and services performed at the supply station.
