The Energy Crisis Committee offers business leaders a checklist to simplify their decision-making process when renewing their energy supply contract. Updated regularly, this energy checklist covers a range of topics: the contract, prices, subsidies and mediation options with suppliers.
Focusing on the key points of an energy supply contract
Faced with rising prices, it's important for companies to have all the information they need before renewing their supply contract.
The energy checklist drawn up by the energy crisis committee is regularly updated on the Médiateur des entreprises website. Made up of 10 questions on contracts, prices, assistance and mediation, it helps to focus on the main points of an energy supply contract. The checklist also provides details on how to renew a contract and how to deal with the supplier.
💡Update of the energy "Checklist", a support tool for companies https://t.co/eW3799MFh3
- Cedef documentation (@DocCedef) November 21, 2023
The contents of the checklist
As far as the contract is concerned, the checklist stresses the importance of receiving a written offer before signing and committing yourself. Decision-makers are advised to read the contract carefully to understand its essential clauses (tacit renewal clause, length of commitment, applicable fees deducted from the pro account in the event of early termination, etc.).
The end of a contract and the subscription to a new offer should be anticipated by contacting the current energy supplier or its competitors for quotes several months before the end of the current contract.
On the subject of prices, the checklist reminds us of the conditions required to benefit from the regulated sales tariff. Companies faced with high-price offers have a number of options open to them. They can, for example, take stock of their consumption profile before consulting suppliers, or choose the length of their contract (12, 24 or 36 months). Another possibility is to opt for offers with differentiated prices according to consumption times. Generally speaking, comparing offers can be made easier by requesting quotes based on identical criteria (contract duration, type of contract).
The checklist lists the main financial aids available to business owners in a context of rising energy prices. These include: lower taxation on electricity(TICFE); the tariff shield; the electricity buffer for VSEs and SMEs not eligible for the tariff shield; the guaranteed average tariff of 280 euros/MWh for VSEs; and the help desk for paying electricity and gas bills.
Finally, on the subject of mediation, the Energy Crisis Committee indicates that, in theevent of a dispute, companies should encourage exchanges with the supplier by submitting a formal complaint. If this does not suffice, it is possible to refer the matter to the national energy ombudsman or the corporate ombudsman, depending on size and sales.