4. Debates on the reform of the European electricity market

Today, there is a consensus that a reform of the electricity market has become necessary in order to limit the volatility of wholesale prices and achieve prices paid by the consumer that are more closely linked to the level and structure of the national electricity mix. Promoting energy efficiency to reduce electricity demand, particularly at peak times, is a priority solution, but it will not be enough to bring prices down. We have seen a fall in electricity demand in 2022 (of the order of 8 to 9%), but part of this destruction of demand is due to a reduction in activity, bankruptcies and even industrial relocations linked to rising prices. This was partly a case of chosen sobriety, partly of submissive sobriety. Three types of reform proposals are currently being debated.