In response to the call from Bruno Le Maire, Minister of Energy, EDF has pledged to renegotiate contracts with small and medium-sized enterprises (VSEs, SMEs and ETIs) that were signed at high prices during the energy crisis. The group is committed to addressing this issue as it is vital for these companies. Bruno Le Maire participated in the EDF executive committee for the first time since the complete nationalization of the group in June 2023. Following this meeting, he announced that he would order CEO Luc Rémont to renegotiate contracts with each company individually.
Professional organizations such as the Confederation of French Traders (CDF) have been calling for the renegotiation of electricity prices, which they consider unfairly high. The CDF represents various independent traders and highlights the disproportionate prices compared to market rates that small businesses are currently facing. The organization points out that electricity suppliers have been refusing to adjust their prices despite a decrease in energy costs, causing financial strain on small businesses in city centers.
According to a survey conducted by professional unions, many businesses remain tied to energy supply contracts with prices significantly higher than current market rates. This increase in electricity prices in February further exacerbated the financial burden on small businesses. Apart from addressing pricing concerns, Bruno Le Maire has called on EDF to allocate resources to nuclear reactor construction while adhering to set costs and deadlines. The minister emphasized the importance of this project and its successful completion in meeting government energy priorities.
