French spending on electricity since 1960 Rising prices, but still lower to other European countries

Between 1960 and 2016, household spending on electricity grew much faster than their total consumption. This increase is particularly strong between 1960 and 1986.

The share of electricity in household energy consumption has thus considerably increased since the 1960s. After the 1970s oil crisis, electricity prices evolved slowly and increased significantly from the beginning of the 2010s. In 2016 however, electricity prices remain 20% below the European average.

Because of differences in consumption patterns, the purchasing power of retirees is more sensitive to changes in electricity prices than the one of the active population.