Two out of three electricity and natural gas suppliers in France include illicit or abusive clauses in their contracts
A study by the French Competition Authority (Autorité de la concurrence) has found that two out of three electricity and natural gas suppliers in France include illicit or abusive clauses in their contracts.
The study, which was published on January 22, 2025, examined the contracts of 30 electricity and natural gas suppliers. It found that 66% of the contracts contained at least one illicit or abusive clause.
The most common illicit or abusive clauses found in the study included:
- Clauses that allowed the supplier to change the price of the contract without giving the customer notice.
- Clauses that made it difficult for the customer to cancel the contract.
- Clauses that limited the customer’s right to compensation in the event of a problem with the service.
The Competition Authority has ordered the suppliers to remove the illicit or abusive clauses from their contracts. The suppliers have until March 1, 2025, to comply with the order.
The Competition Authority’s findings are a reminder of the importance of carefully reading and understanding your energy contract before you sign it. If you have any questions about your contract, you should contact your supplier or a consumer protection organization.
Here are some tips for avoiding illicit or abusive clauses in your energy contract:
- Read the contract carefully before you sign it.
- Make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions of the contract.
- If you have any questions about the contract, contact your supplier or a consumer protection organization.
- Be aware of your rights as a consumer.
- If you believe that your supplier has included an illicit or abusive clause in your contract, you can file a complaint with the Competition Authority.
Additional information:
- The Competition Authority’s study was conducted in partnership with the French consumer protection organization UFC-Que Choisir.
- The study is part of the Competition Authority’s ongoing efforts to protect consumers from unfair and misleading practices.
- The Competition Authority has the power to investigate and sanction companies that engage in anti-competitive practices.
Deux fournisseurs d’électricité et de gaz naturel contrôlés sur trois insèrent des clauses illicites ou abusives dans leurs contrats
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