Pay 21% less for electricity: this UFC-Que Choisir offer could save you a significant amount.

A consumer protection association has launched a noteworthy group electricity purchase initiative designed to help households cut their bills.

Rising electricity costs are hardly news, yet opening an electricity bill can still come as a shock-particularly in autumn and winter, when consumption typically climbs and the total can feel steep. Against that backdrop, UFC-Que Choisir, together with its subsidiary SAS Que Choisir, is once again running a collective buying offer for electricity. Here is how it works.

“Cheaper Energy Together”: a group electricity purchase led by UFC-Que Choisir

Under the name “Cheaper Energy Together”, the campaign invited energy suppliers to submit proposals that would be both competitive and reliable. After reviewing the bids, the association selected Octopus Energy as the winning supplier.

UFC-Que Choisir shares the following overview of the company:

Octopus Energy is a global energy player, operating as a supplier in eight countries (including France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and Germany).
The Octopus Energy France teams are based in France, which enables the company to hold the “Service France Guaranteed” label. Its main sites are in Lille and Paris, and the business also has sales offices in seven other French cities.

A secured electricity offer with a fixed price for two years

The offer provides a 21.1% discount (excluding tax and excluding the standing charge/subscription) compared with the regulated tariffs currently in force. According to Que Choisir’s calculations:

• A household heated by electricity using 10,000 kWh per year could aim to save €321 per year.
• A higher-consumption, energy-hungry home using 15,000 kWh per year could reach savings of €485 per year.

To make the deal more predictable, the organisation ensured the unit price is fixed for two years, except for changes the supplier cannot control-namely tax changes and network charges.

Organisation fee (including VAT) and the right to switch at any time

UFC-Que Choisir also notes that, because the campaign involves meaningful set-up and support costs (such as a dedicated platform, communications spend, internal resources and assistance if complaints arise), participants are asked to pay an administration contribution:

In view of the costs incurred for this campaign (platform set-up, communications budget, internal costs, support in the event of potential complaints, etc.), a contribution towards organisational costs is requested-independence obliges-from consumers who sign up to the winning offer. This contribution is €12 including VAT (reduced to €6 including VAT for subscribers and/or members).

Given the level of expected savings, the fee remains relatively modest.

If you are still cautious, Que Choisir also emphasises that you can change supplier free of charge at any time. The new supplier handles the administrative steps, and the switch happens without any interruption to your contract or your electricity supply. Further information is available on the campaign’s website.

Two points to check before signing up

Before committing, it is worth reviewing a couple of practical details to ensure the offer suits your household:

• Standing charge and billing terms: the headline discount applies to the energy unit price (excluding tax and subscription), so it is sensible to confirm the standing charge, payment method and billing frequency.
• Your consumption profile: the estimated savings are based on annual usage figures (10,000 kWh and 15,000 kWh). Checking your past bills can help you judge whether the projected benefit is realistic for your home.

What do you think of this group electricity purchase-would you be tempted to join? Share your view in the comments.