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French Senate Backs Tax Shift to Cheaper Electricity, Costlier Gas in 2026 Budget Talks

Supporters say the fiscally neutral tweak nudges households toward electrification, pending further budget talks.

Overview

  • The Senate's right‑wing majority approved an amendment rebalancing energy excise taxes to favor low‑carbon, domestically produced electricity over gas.
  • The Senate finance committee estimates annual savings of €11–45 for households heated with electricity and increases of €12–80 for gas‑heated homes, with no impact on public finances.
  • Budget rapporteur Jean‑François Husson introduced the change as a signal to speed electrification at a time when gas prices are described as very low.
  • Economy Minister Roland Lescure said the proposal made sense and delivered a neutral opinion of prudence during the session.
  • Left parties warned the shift could penalize households reliant on gas, and the amendment remains subject to revision as the budget process continues through mid‑December.