Beatrice Lang
Setting up electricity in France is a crucial step in transitioning to life in the country. The process involves selecting an electricity supplier, signing a supply contract, and providing the necessary information and documentation. The national provider, EDF (Électricité de France), supplies electricity to 75% of French homes, but competition has led to alternative suppliers offering various tariffs. To set up an electricity account, individuals must contact their chosen supplier directly or seek assistance from English-speaking advisors. They should also ensure that their property is connected to the electricity grid and provide meter readings for accurate billing. Understanding local regulations and navigating language barriers can be challenging for expats, but with the right support, setting up electricity in France can be a straightforward process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| National Provider | EDF (Électricité de France) |
| Alternative Suppliers | Engie, Direct Energie, Total Spring, TotalEnergies, Eni, etc. |
| Websites for Comparison | Selectra |
| Information Required | Name, contact details, address, previous occupant's name (if known), EDF meter number (Point de Livraison or PDL), French IBAN for direct debit, etc. |
| Connection | Schedule an appointment with the provider to reconnect the supply, if the property has been disconnected |
| Voltage Supply Level | 230v (may vary in rural areas) |
| Power Supply Choice | 3KVA to 36KVA |
| Bill Frequency | Every 2 months |
| Bill Amount | Approximately €1,000 annually |
| Contract | Sign a supply contract with EDF |
| Meter Reading | Carried out by EDF or prepared jointly with the former owner |
| Account Activation | Start the process about two weeks before the moving-in date |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a supplier
When deciding between the different suppliers, it is important to compare the offerings of each of the electricity suppliers that operate in your neighbourhood. Websites like Selectra can help you compare prices and plans. You can also contact Selectra's English-speaking advisors for assistance.
To set up an electricity contract, you will need to provide the supplier with your contact information, name, email address, French phone number, address, previous occupant's name (if known), meter number (PDL or PRM for electricity), meter readings, and bank details (IBAN) for direct debit billing.
It is recommended to start the account activation process about two weeks before your moving-in date to avoid any interruptions to your power supply.
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Contacting the supplier
When contacting an electricity supplier in France, it is important to have the following information ready: your contact information (name, email address, and French phone number), address, previous occupant's name (if known), meter number (Point de Livraison or PDL for electricity, Point de Comptage et d'Estimation or PCE for gas), and bank details (French IBAN for direct debit).
If you are connecting a new house to the electricity grid for the first time, you will need to contact Enedis, France's electricity grid operator and a subsidiary of EDF. You can contact them by phone on +33 (0)9 69 36 63 83 (price of a local call within France), and their working hours are 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday.
If your property is already connected to the grid, you can sign up with your chosen electricity supplier directly, either by phone or online. Websites like Selectra can help you compare prices and plans from various suppliers, such as EDF, Engie, Direct Energie, and Total Spring.
If you choose to go with EDF, you can visit their local office or go online to set up an account. They will arrange for a meter reading to be carried out, which can be done within a few hours with the installation of Linky smart meters. If the line was cut after the previous tenant/owner moved out, you can contact EDF to schedule an appointment for a technician from Enedis to restore power to your home within 5 to 10 working days.
It is ideal to start the account activation process about two weeks before your moving-in date to avoid any interruptions to your power supply.
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Providing necessary information
To set up electricity in France, you will need to provide the following information:
- Contact information: name, email address, and a French phone number.
- Address of your new accommodation.
- Previous occupant's name (if known).
- EDF meter number (Point de Livraison or PDL).
- Bank account details for direct debit payments, including a French IBAN.
- Meter readings to ensure accurate billing from the start of your contract.
If you are connecting a new house to the grid, you will need to contact Enedis, France's electricity grid operator. They will schedule a technician to visit your property within 5 to 10 working days to restore power.
It is recommended to start the account activation process about two weeks before your desired moving-in date to avoid any interruptions in your power supply.
If you are renting, your landlord may keep the utility contracts in their name and share the bills with you. However, some landlords may prefer that you take ownership of the contracts. In this case, you will need to choose a suitable electricity supplier and provide them with the necessary information to set up a new contract.
Websites like Selectra offer English-speaking advisors who can help you compare prices and plans from different suppliers.
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Setting up billing
To set up billing, you will need to choose a supplier and a suitable plan. Websites like Selectra can help you compare prices and plans. You can then contact the supplier, and you will need to provide your contact information, name, email address, French phone number, address, bank account details (IBAN), and meter number (PDL or PRM for electricity). You may also need to provide proof of home ownership or residence, such as a rental contract or passport/ID.
If you are connecting a new house to the grid, you will need to contact Enedis, France's electricity grid operator and a subsidiary of EDF. They will schedule a technician to restore power to your home within 5 to 10 working days.
You can set up an account with EDF online or by visiting their local office. They will arrange for a meter reading, which can be done within a few hours with the installation of Linky smart meters. Alternatively, you can prepare a joint letter with the former owner, stating the electricity meter reading, and send it to EDF with a copy of the attestation, which is a certificate of purchase from the notaire.
It is recommended to start the account activation process about two weeks before your moving-in date to avoid any interruptions to your power supply.
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Meter reading
The actual consumption of electricity is verified twice a year, and the monthly bills are adjusted accordingly. It is important to have your meter number (PDL or PRM for electricity) and your meter readings to ensure you have the most accurate billing from when you move in.
If you are a tenant, you may not need to set up a new electricity contract. In many instances, the landlord keeps the contract in their name and shares the bills with you. However, some landlords prefer that you take ownership of the utility contracts. If the landlord wants you to take over the utility contracts, you will need to pick a suitable supplier and set up a new contract in your name.
If you are connecting a new house to the grid for the first time, you will need to contact Enedis, France’s electricity grid operator (a subsidiary of EDF). Otherwise, you can sign up with your chosen provider directly, either by phone or online.
To set up a new contract, you will need to provide the following information:
- Name/contact details/address/French bank account number
- Previous occupant’s name (if known)
- EDF meter number (Point de Livraison or PDL)
- Passport/ID
- Proof of homeownership or residence (such as a rental contract or copy of the Acte de Vente)
- Bank RIB
If the property has been disconnected, schedule an appointment with the provider to reconnect the supply. Intervention by a technician from Enedis may be necessary. If your electricity meter is not accessible, an appointment is necessary.
If you are taking over an existing contract, EDF should arrange for a meter reading to be carried out, which can be done within a few hours with the installation of Linky smart meters throughout France. Alternatively, you can prepare a joint letter with the former owner for signature, stating the electricity meter reading, and send it to the EDF with a copy of the attestation.
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Frequently asked questions
You can choose from several electricity suppliers in France, including EDF (Électricité de France), Engie, Direct Energie, and Total Spring. EDF serves 75% of French homes, but other suppliers often offer better deals than its regulated rates.
You will need to provide your contact information, name, email address, French phone number, address, previous occupant's name (if known), meter number (PDL or PRM for electricity), meter reading, and bank details (IBAN).
You can set up an electricity contract by contacting an electricity supplier directly, either by phone or online. You can also seek assistance from English-speaking advisors at Selectra, who can help you compare prices and plans.
Electricity bills are typically mailed every 2 months and are based on the historical consumption of your property. You should expect your annual electricity bill in France to be approximately €1,000.
