France Implements Widespread Changes Affecting Electricity Bills, Savings, and Consumer Prices on February 1, 2026

Electricity Bills See Minor Reduction

As of February 1, 2026, French households have seen a slight reduction in their electricity bills. This change is primarily attributed to a decrease in the 'contribution tarifaire d'acheminement' (CTA) tax, which has been lowered from 21.93% to 15%. This adjustment mainly affects the fixed subscription portion of the electricity bill. For an average household, this translates to an annual saving of approximately €10. While the regulated electricity tariffs (TRVE) saw an average decrease of around 0.83% for residential customers, the price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for base options with 3 or 6 kVA power is now €0.194, and €0.1927 for 9 to 36 kVA. However, an increase of about 2% in the subscription part of the bill largely offsets the kWh price decrease, resulting in a 'quasi-stable' overall bill for many.

Livret A Savings Rate Decreases

Savers in France will note a change in interest rates for several regulated savings accounts. The Livret A savings rate has been reduced from 1.7% to 1.5%, effective February 1, 2026. Similarly, the Livret de Développement Durable et Solidaire (LDDS), which is indexed to the Livret A, also saw its rate drop to 1.5%. For the Livret d'Épargne Populaire (LEP), the rate is now set at 2.5%, down from 2.7%, despite regulatory calculations suggesting a lower rate of 1.9%. The Livret Jeune rate will be no less than 1.5%, and the Compte Épargne Logement (CEL) rate is fixed at 1%.

Cigarette and Motorway Toll Prices Rise

Consumers will face increased costs for tobacco products and motorway travel. Cigarette prices have risen as part of the government's ongoing anti-smoking policy. Increases vary by brand and product, generally ranging from €0.10 to €0.40 per pack of 20 cigarettes. For instance, Lucky Strike increased from €12.50 to €12.70, and Dunhill from €13.50 to €13.70. News&Co and Gauloises saw a €0.40 increase, while Winston prices decreased by €0.10, and Philip Morris brands remained unchanged. These increases apply to various tobacco products, with further adjustments anticipated throughout 2026.

Motorway toll prices also saw an increase on February 1, 2026. The average increase across the seven major concession networks is 0.86%. This adjustment is described as 'contained' and represents the lowest increase since 2021, remaining below the inflation rate. While the impact on individual journeys is expected to be minimal, some sections have frozen tariffs, including 36 agglomeration bypasses and 90% of journeys under 30 km. Specific increases vary by concessionaire, with Vinci Autoroutes (ASF and Escota networks) seeing an average rise of 0.62%, Cofiroute at 1.21%, and SAPN at 1%.