Energy in France
- Residents
- Tourists
- Expats
Setting up electricity (électricité) and gas (gaz) is one of the first things you do as a newcomer. The French energy market has been liberalised since 2007, so you can choose from many suppliers (fournisseurs) rather than the historic incumbents alone. The market is overseen by the regulator CRE (Commission de régulation de l'énergie), and the Médiateur national de l'énergie runs a free comparateur to help you compare offers. The guides below walk through connecting your home and comparing providers.
How Does the French Energy Market Work?
Energy in France mixes historic incumbents with newer competitors. The market for both electricity (électricité) and gas (gaz) has been open to competition since 2007, so households are free to choose their supplier (fournisseur). The grid itself is run by regulated network operators, Enedis for electricity and GRDF for gas, regardless of which supplier you sign with. The sector is overseen by the CRE (Commission de régulation de l'énergie), and the Médiateur national de l'énergie publishes a free official comparateur so you can compare offers side by side. Official rules and consumer rights are on service-public.fr.
How Do You Set Up Electricity and Gas?
Opening a Contract
When you move in, you open a contract in your name with the supplier of your choice. You will need the meter reference (the PDL or PRM number for electricity, the PCE for gas), a meter reading, and your bank details for the direct debit (prélèvement). Cover can usually be active within a few days.
Regulated vs. Market Offers
You can pick the regulated electricity tariff (the tarif réglementé de vente, or TRV) or a market offer (offre de marché) from any supplier. Market offers may be fixed or indexed, and prices vary, so it pays to compare before you sign.
Switching Suppliers
Switching supplier is free, has no cut in service, and does not require you to change your meter. There is no fixed contract term for residential customers, so you can change whenever a better offer appears.
What Should Expats Know About Energy in France?
New arrivals should set up their electricity and gas contracts before or on the day they move in, since a home is rarely left connected in your name automatically. Keep the previous occupant's meter numbers if you have them, or read the meter yourself. Many supplier sites and call centres operate in French, so use the Médiateur national de l'énergie comparateur to compare offers in a neutral place. Prices and tariffs move, so review your contract periodically and switch when a cheaper deal appears.