Electricity

Widespread Linky electricity meter checks on way across France

Enedis is cracking down on ‘illegal hacks’ that have cost €250m in electricity fraud since 2022

France’s Competition Authority urges end of regulated electricity prices

It said it would encourage more competition in the sector

MAP: Offshore sites identified for new wind farms in France

President Macron has made the expansion of wind generated energy a priority

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Electricity prices will reduce for most French households in January

However the government will seek to increase tax on usage

France scrutinises electricity suppliers over pricing

New regulations coming into force from January 2025 aim to ensure transparency and fairness amid market volatility

New iodine tablets for communes near French nuclear power sites

The tablets are distributed for use in the event of an emergency, but some say the scheme does not go far enough

Electricity price rises in France: are solar panels a good solution?

Can the panels really save you money? We look at the advantages and disadvantages

'EDF's IT error left me with €8,500 electricity bill for small French house'

The British EDF customer was shocked to receive the bill which was due to faulty Linky readings over three years

Millions of homes have at least one electrical fault in France

‘Electrical installations age, like cars, and you need to call an electrician to check them’, the national electrical safety observatory warns

How can we cut off utilities at French second home from abroad?

Meter reading need to be taken to close most accounts

How to contest increased or ‘catch up’ energy bills in France

There are several options which may result in a partial refund or a recalculation of a bill

What can I do if I have lost my French energy voucher?

The chèque énérgie vouchers can be used to pay bills, as well as certain renovations

Six tips to save money on your boiler in France

Amid rising energy costs and high inflation, saving on hot water can add up

Storm Ciaran in France: power cut payouts to homes begin

More than €100 million will be paid out to homeowners

Can I install an electric charging point at our flat in France?

The procedure – and expense – depends on whether you may be open to a group project for the whole building, or require a charging point for your sole use

Monitor electricity use, predict shortages - five French apps to help

We look at how the most popular energy apps could help you manage consumption and plan ahead

Linky meters may be used to halve electricity to 200,000 French homes

If approved, the trial would operate via the properties’ Linky smart meters. Participants would be informed by letter and have no right to opt out or to compensation

New 'group deal' pledges 12% savings on electricity in France

This equates to around a €200 annual saving for an average family home. Electricity rates will rise this winter as the price shield is withdrawn

Engie and EDF to reward clients in France who save energy

Cash rewards and Paris 2024 tickets are among the prizes up for grabs this winter

Aid announced for people to buy radiator thermostats in France

The aid will cover up to 80% of the installation costs and comes as part of a raft of new energy- and fuel-saving measures

What are the rules for solar panels near historic French monuments?

Projects near a listed building or site must be approved by the Architectes des bâtiments de France

Internet cut after suspected rodents chew cables in southern France

Phone lines were also cut in a dozen communes. Both have since been restored

Watch out for new energy bill scam in France

The email includes bank details and a phone number and warns customers of an ‘unpaid bill’

Price rises but no power cuts: France’s winter electricity forecast

Head of Enedis says the situation has improved since last winter

Nuclear reactor approved to continue beyond 40 years, first in France

The 40-year-old reactor can reportedly now operate until its next assessment in ten years' time

Anger over huge bills from alternative electricity providers in France

Bills of over €9,000 have been reported. Providers say it is linked to rising supply costs, but a consumer collective says suppliers are breaking the law

France returns to being top electricity exporter in Europe

Increased nuclear and hydropower production has pushed it ahead again of its nearest competitor Sweden

Electricity generator moves like swimming fish in French river trials

The company explains how the device turns a flowing river into green energy

Power cut hits nearly 90,000 homes in southern France after explosion

The blast at a power substation also injured five technicians

French village slashes electricity bills by using old watermill site

A mayor in northern France has made his commune almost energy self-sufficient by harnessing water power again

Electricity bills in France to rise by 10% from August 1

We look at the numbers behind the government’s price shield and the next stage of its phase out

Electricity bills to rise in France as price rise protection reduced

They are expected to increase by around €150 per year on average for households on regulated tariffs

French pensioner has electricity cut after refusing Linky smart meter

He has now gone more than three weeks without power

France set to open its first electric car battery factory

It is part of Emmanuel Macron’s plans to reindustrialise the country

How to sell energy to the grid from your solar panels in France

With options to sell either your surplus or wholesale production, we look at the options and requirements needed

Reminder: You have until March 31 to spend last year’s energy vouchers

The vouchers, worth up to €277, are aimed at helping low-income households pay their energy bills

Fast electric car charger designed in France can send power to grid

Renault promises the bi-directional charger will cost less than existing ones when it is introduced over the next 10 years

‘A particularly deep crack’: Alarm raised over French nuclear plant

The discovery at the plant in Normandy has sparked calls for state-owned energy firm EDF to revise its safety strategy.

How can I find a reliable electrician in France?

We explain where to look for a local electrician in France, and how to go about choosing one

Thousands in France given free electricity by protesting workers

They have been dubbed the ‘Robin Hoods of energy.’ Unions say it is the workers’ way of showing opposition to proposed pension reforms

Price negotiation, free electricity: Five French property updates

We also look at ownership rules after 30 years of non-contested use of a piece of land or property and efforts to sell Johnny Hallyday’s house

France looks to extend electricity tariff ‘shield’ to flat owners

A retroactive capped rate could be put in place for copropriétés to protect people living in shared buildings from soaring energy costs

Bar stops draught beer due to soaring electricity bills in west France

The Bar du lac is the last remaining commerce in a 280-person village and is popular among British people living nearby

France power cuts: Risk falling in the short-term

Falling electricity usage and rising nuclear production have caused the chance of planned cuts to drop from high to medium

Is there a fee for changing energy contracts in France?

A customer may want to change to a different tariff or supplier if they find an option that is cheaper than their current contract

People's energy-saving efforts reduce electricity use in France

Consumption is down 10% compared to average for 2014-2019, although usage is heavily dependent on factors such as the weather

Should I switch appliances off ahead of a French power cut?

We look at how power cuts might affect household appliances and what you should do to avoid any damage

French smart thermostat being given away in exchange for energy data

The firms behind it claim the device, usually worth around €100, cuts bills by up to a third. It can be installed on any radiator to control that room’s temperature

Power cuts in France: what plans for transport, lifts and healthcare?

Contingency plans are being drawn up to prevent, for example, travellers being stuck in trains. People who need at-home medical electricity must register in advance

Why rural areas in France are expected to be worst hit by power cuts

The president of the rural mayors’ association has said that the notice given is not long enough. We also answer common questions about how the power cuts may work

Energy prices in France: People without Linky meters risk paying more

Extra charge will apply to those without a new-style meter and who have not sent in usage readings. As many as 3.8 million people may be affected

France sets out its strategy for winter power cuts to homes

Cuts of up to two hours would affect millions of people under the plans. It comes as half of France’s nuclear power supply remains shut off

Electricity shortage in France: Will there be power cuts this winter?

Power cuts may be used as a last resort to manage consumption amid potential shortages. We explain how they could work

Call for ‘energy sobriety’ in France shows gap between rich and poor

Companies are committing to energy-saving as part of a new ‘sobriété énergétique’ but experts say not everyone can afford to change their lifestyle

French TV news gives weather report-style electricity usage updates

France is planning a series of energy-saving measures to cope with possible electricity shortages this winter but has not ruled out the potential of power cuts

French energy firms offer up to €120 discount to those who cut usage

TotalEnergies customers will get money off their spring bills while Engie customers can accumulate bonuses through daily challenges

Energy crisis: Will French ski resorts raise their prices this year?

Several options are being considered, including slowing down ski lifts, adapting opening hours or turning off Christmas lights

How to check when electricity usage is under strain in France

Online electricity monitoring service Ecowatt sends alerts. If everyone turned off just one light, it could save the equivalent of an entire power station

Regulated French gas and electric bills capped at 15% rise in 2023

Prime minister also announces aid of up to €200 for 12 million homes. ‘No European country has done so much,’ she adds

French firm suspected of reselling state electricity for higher price

The supplier may have deliberately forced customers to opt for another offer so that it could sell reserves bought at €46 for up to €600

‘Reduce energy consumption to avoid rationing in France’, says Macron

The president also said that a new European ‘solidarity’ scheme would enable France and Germany to help with the other’s energy supply

Winter power cuts: What risk in France and why an app can help

We examine how households could be affected by electricity cuts and look at how to receive advance warning of disruptions in your area

Can I change my French electricity supplier for a cheaper alternative?

With electricity prices soaring, we explain the steps to take to change company in order to find a better deal

French wholesale electricity prices surge as energy crunch hits Europe

Market prices are now 12 times more than they were last year

France to offer cheap electricity to those who cut usage during peaks

The idea is to reduce the risk of electricity blackouts this winter, with half of the country’s nuclear power stations currently offline

Spanish electricity provider Iberdrola fails to renew French contracts

The main EDF competitor has invited its hundreds of thousands of customers in France to find alternative suppliers as it will no longer ‘automatically renew’ contracts due to rising costs

EDF nationalisation is end of bumpy ride for French investors

In 2005, they bought shares at €32 each, believing it was a safe investment. The finance ministry has offered shareholders €12

French shops to be required to keep doors closed while aircon is on

The new rule aims to save 20% on energy use, and is one of two new decrees that also ban the use of light-up advertising screens during dark overnight hours

France is at risk of energy shortages and rationing, says minister

A scenario in which Russia cuts off its gas supply to Europe is now probable and imminent, said finance minister Bruno Le Maire

EDF renationalisation plan: will it lower bills for users in France?

France’s prime minister announced that it would move to take full control of the company yesterday (July 6)

France prepares measures to prevent winter energy shortages

The government is hoping to reduce consumption by 10% over two years as suppliers warn of a difficult winter

Ants cut off Linky electricity meters at homes in France

The meters have met with several issues since their introduction but the ants’ love of a component inside the devices is a more unusual one

Why EDF is contacting consumers in France about their personal data

Consumers with regulated ‘Tarif bleu’ contracts are receiving a message asking for permission to share their data. Here is why and what happens if you do not reply

France inches towards nuclear waste solution as more reactors planned

President Macron’s ‘French Nuclear Renaissance’ aims to provide energy independence and greener electricity for France - but the nuclear waste keeps piling up

Electricity market in France ‘completely stuck’ says consumer group

The market is offering almost no competition right now, it claims, with consumers recommended to return to EDF’s regulated tariffs for the best rates