A revolution is brewing in the shadows for electric car owners. Emmanuelle Wargon, president of the CRE, has just announced a profound transformation of the off-peak hours system, promising significant savings for savvy drivers.
A new system adapted to the renewable era
The current off-peak hours system, born in the 1960s, no longer corresponds to today’s energy realities. Photovoltaic electricity production reaches its maximum during the day, particularly in the afternoon. However, consumption remains relatively low during these hours. The CRE therefore proposes to move part of the off-peak hours to these periods of high solar production.
This reorganization will allow electric car owners to benefit from cheaper electricity during sunny hours. A particularly interesting advantage for teleworkers who can schedule their recharges during the day. The 15 million French customers benefiting from the peak/off-peak system will thus be able to optimize their consumption according to the actual availability of energy.
Substantial savings at stake
The new system maintains the total volume of 8 off-peak hours daily, but distributes them differently. This intelligent redistribution of advantageous time slots generates significant savings opportunities. Owners of electric vehicles will be able to recharge their cars during peak solar production, thus benefiting from preferential rates.
The reduction in charging costs is accompanied by another advantage: the contribution to the balance of the electricity network. By synchronizing consumption with peaks in renewable production, drivers actively participate in the energy transition while reducing their electricity bill.
A gradual transition to a smarter system
The implementation of this new system will begin in mid-2025, giving users time to adapt their habits. Drivers accustomed to charging their vehicles at night may need to rethink their schedule, as nighttime off-peak hours are partially redistributed toward the afternoon.
This development is part of a broader approach to modernizing the French electricity network. The development of renewable energies requires more flexible management of consumption. The new off-peak hours will encourage more rational use of electricity, in line with solar production.
The Energy Regulatory Commission is currently finalizing the details of this reform. A public consultation was completed in November, and the conclusions will be revealed in January 2025.
- CRE reorganizes off-peak hours in 2025 to better match renewable energy production peaks, allowing substantial savings on electric vehicle charging
- The system maintains 8 off-peak hours per day, but redistributes them more towards the afternoon, a period of high solar production and low consumption
- This development is accompanied by a gradual transition period from mid-2025, giving the 15 million customers concerned time to adapt their consumption habits.
