Electricity in France

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1. 1. Opening an Electricity Account in France
2. 2. Getting a New Electricity Supply
3. 3. French Electricity Tariffs
4. 4. Your French Electricity Bill
5. 5. Assistance with Payment of Electricity Bills
6. 6. Changing Your Electricity Supplier
7. 7. Complaints Procedures

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1. Opening a Electricity Account in France

There are various methods that can be used to open an electricity account in France, depending on the circumstances of your house purchase.

It also depends on whether you propose to use EDF the state electricity supplier, or a private supplier, but we shall assume for the purpose of these notes, that you will be using EDF. You would be well advised to, at least until you have settled in the area, and you know your way around (although there are a few areas in France where EDF is not actually the electricity supplier).

When you have completed the purchase of your French property, you should ask the notaire for a certificate of purchase called an attestation, which you can use to gain access to public services for the property. It can also be used to help with opening a French bank account.

If the former owner has already vacated the property and terminated their account with EDF, then you should visit the local office of EDF with your attestation and open an account.

If you cannot visit the local office, then you can make application for a supply over the internet, although the application form is only available in French.

You will need to sign a supply contract with EDF, who should arrange for a meter reading to be carried out within 48 hours, following which you will be able to obtain a supply.

Alternatively, along with the former owner, you can prepare a joint letter for signature stating the electricity meter reading, and send it to the EDF. You should enclose a copy of the attestation, if at all possible.

EDF also offer an English speaking telephone service. Their contact details are:

• Tel: 0810 126 126 (local rate within France only)
• Tel: 0033-(0)5 62 16 49 08 (mainline number)
• E mail: Simpleenergywithedf@edf.fr

If it is a second home, then you will need to notify EDF of the address where bills should be sent, if it is not to be the address in France.

One of the peculiarities of French electricity supply is that you can choose the amount of power you want to come into the property from 3 Kilowatts to 36 Kilowatts!

It may well be the case that the level of the KW supply of the previous owner is higher or lower than your own needs.

You need to establish with the owner and/or EDF the level of the supply and decide whether it will meet your requirements.

The level of supply and current tariff arrangements are stated on the back of the electricity bill, if you can get one from the current owner.

If you have few electrical items you would probably be able to manage with 3KW, but a safe bet for a modern family household would be 6KW, although you would probably need more if you have full electric central heating.

Alternatively, you may want to start on the lowest supply and, if the supply trips out when you are using different electrical appliances in the house, upgrade to a higher supply.

The voltage supply level in France is 230v, although in rural areas in particular, do not be surprised if there are voltage variations during the day!

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Next: Getting a New Electricity Supply

Back: Index to French Public Utilities