Markets opening and consumers' advantages

The year 2007 corresponds to the implementation of the most mediatized measure foreseen by the opening of gas and electricity markets, which is the eligibility granted to domestic end-users and the possibility for them to use competition in their purchases of gas and electricity. However, in front of the rise of energy prices observed these last years, the public authorities try to maintain the regulated prices with the aim of protecting consumers. In such a context, how is it possible to maintain together regulated prices and market prices, what are the innovations in the domain of purchase process for the different categories of consumers, how clients manage the arbitration between prices, security of supplies and environment, what is the role assigned to mediation? Four participants to this round table try to answer these different questions in this article. (J.S.)