Two months after the average increase of 3

Two months after the average increase of 3.4 of the electricity rates, the Government is forced to consider a further increase. The goal Payment of expenses related to the massive development of renewable energy, and particularly photovoltaics. They are funded by the contribution to the public service of electricity (CSPE), which represents approximately 5 of the invoice of the individuals.

The folder is not resolved, but it could be the project finance law which will be discussed tomorrow by the National Assembly Finance Committee. Michel Diefenbacher, UMP member of Lot - et - Garonne, which campaigns for a tax increase, in fact tabled an amendment proposing a reform of the CSPE. "A decision is imminent," according to a senior official.

Despite the increases recommended by the Commission for regulation of energy (CRE), the Government has left unchanged since 2004 the amount of the CSPE 4.50 euros per megawatt-hour (MWh). This level is even legally capped at 5.48 EUR, while subsidies to renewable energies, social tariffs, the production of electricity in the Islands and the contracts for the purchase of cogeneration would require this year a contribution of 6.50 euros per megawatt-hour. "The impact of this increase on individuals bills would result in an increase of more than 3, according to Michel Diefenbacher." As the photovoltaic production continues to grow, more expected, and more the increase in rates will be high.

Worried about EDF

If the France reached the 5.400 MW of photovoltaic capacity covered by the Grenelle of the environment, the annual cost of solar power for the community will reach 500 million euros by 2013 and EUR 1.5 billion from 2020, according to a report of the General Inspection of finance.

This situation worried about EDF, which supports the incremental costs for the purchase of green electricity normally funded by the CSPE. "If no action is taken, after having found in end of 2009 a compensation of EUR 1.6 billion deficit, EDF will see this deficit to rise 2.6 billion at the end of 2010, warned as early as June, his boss, Henri Proglio, in a letter to the Minister of energy, Jean-Louis Borloo." It could reach EUR 5.6 billion to the horizon of 2012 and exceed 15 billion after 2015 in the current state of our estimates.

However, the question is very political. Summer rates increase has not raised bronca, but a new of plane on the purchasing power in the current context could cause a stir.

"The deficit is huge, but public authorities are afraid of the political consequences of the increase," slips an energy player. As the topic goes to the heart of the policy conducted by Jean-Louis Borloo, to become Prime Minister. "-What is, or not, it will assume the policy of the Grenelle", asks a government official.

The CRE is to transmit a proposal to increase to the Government. It may revalue the CSPE statutory ceiling or cancel this limit via the Finance Bill. More radical, Michel Diefenbacher proposes to leave the CRE to set the amount of the CSPE "within the limits of a 50 increase. Another track mentioned: include this tax in the laws of finance, present and future. Unless the Government chooses, as six years, leaving things in the State.