The government is considering a reform of the "employee tariff," a benefit granted since 1946 to employees and retirees in the electricity and gas industries, in a context of budget cuts. This discount on gas and electricity bills is under scrutiny by the Court of Auditors, which believes its calculation method no longer complies with current regulations.
This scheme benefits current and former employees of companies originating from the historical operators EDF and GDF, as well as several companies in the sector, such as Engie, Enedis, GRDF, and certain local energy distributors. For nearly 80 years, it has constituted a specific in-kind benefit for this professional sector.
The Court of Auditors is demanding compliance
According to the CGT, the government has informed the unions that it is currently examining the calculation methods for this benefit. The ministry confirmed that it is required to respond to a request from the Court of Auditors to align the valuation of the "employee tariff" with the actual value of energy.
The government is expected to decide the matter by ministerial decree. Several scenarios are being considered to modify the level of the benefit without jeopardizing its existence. However, no final decision has been announced at this stage.
A sensitive measure for employees in the sector
This reform project comes as the government seeks new ways to save money in order to balance public finances. Specific benefits granted to certain categories of employees are among the measures currently being reviewed.
The unions are particularly vigilant on this issue, believing that this benefit is an integral part of the status of the electricity and gas industries. They fear that a reduction in the "employee rate" could set a precedent that would jeopardize other social gains in the sector.
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