Renegotiating Unfair Energy Contracts for Small Businesses: Minister Bruno Le Maire Calls on EDF

Bruno Le Maire, the Minister of Energy, has called on EDF to renegotiate contracts with small and medium-sized companies that were signed at high prices during the energy crisis. The group is committed to addressing this issue by renegotiating contracts with VSEs, SMEs, and ETIs that were signed when prices were at their highest. This move is crucial for these companies as they continue to face financial strain due to disproportionate electricity prices compared to market rates.

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 that small businesses are currently facing. According to a survey conducted by professional unions, many businesses remain tied to energy supply contracts with prices significantly higher than the current market rate. The increase in electricity prices in February further exacerbated the financial burden on small businesses.

In addition to addressing pricing concerns, Bruno Le Maire has also called on EDF to allocate the necessary resources to the construction of new nuclear reactors while adhering to set costs and deadlines. This project is important for meeting the government’s energy priorities, and its successful completion is crucial for ensuring a sustainable future for France’s energy needs. As part of his first meeting with EDF’s executive committee since taking office in June 2023, Le Maire emphasized the importance of this project and pledged his support for its completion.