Indeed, it considered that the general interest reasons which up to now were the basis of the existence of a tariff established by the State and applicable over the whole country to the 5.4 million private individual and professional customers (tradesmen, shopkeepers, etc.) were no justified.

The Conseil d’Etat thus considered that the system was contrary to European law.

The Conseil d’Etat, aware of the risk of legal uncertainty created by its decision, stated that there was no reason to call into question the already concluded contracts.

ENGIE takes note of this decision, directed at the State which must now respond to the annulment of the Decree. Indeed it is the Government’s responsibility to deal as quickly as possible with the consequences of this decision through the legislative route, taking the interest of our customers into account.

Since the regulated tariff established by the State was regarded as a guarantee by many consumers who deliberately chose it, a sufficiently long transitional phase should be organised to allow them to learn about the offers available on the market under the best conditions. Naturally, ENGIE will continue to supply its customers for as long as they wish.

The Conseil d’Etat’s decision should also apply as quickly as possible to the regulated tariffs for the sale of electricity, to avoid a distortion of competition being created.