Total to Supply Gas to French Households

Total is expanding in the residential gas and power distribution market in France, the French major said October 5.

It is doing so through the introduction of Total Spring, a natural gas and green power offering that is 10% cheaper than regulated tariffs. 

Tariffs in France for certain consumers are still set by the government, after consultation with regulator CRE.

“Although the residential market was deregulated ten years ago, French consumers haven’t really seen the effect on their bills. Today, Total is rolling out a unique offering in the French residential market: an affordable, reliable and simple solution. In 2011, we successfully introduced the Total Access service station concept. We’re aiming to repeat that success today with Total Spring, the most competitive natural gas and green power offering in the market. We hope that nearly 3mn French customers will place their trust in us and subscribe,” said CEO Patrick Pouyanne.

France's highest administrative court, the Council of State (Conseil d'Etat) ruled in July that state-regulated retail tariffs for gas are contrary to European Union law, after a request by the French energy retailers association (Anode) for an annulment of a decree of 16 May 2013 governing regulated gas retail tariffs. Total is a member of Anode.

Incumbent French energy retailer, Engie, said after the ruling that "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."