In older homes, outdated electricity meters often linger, especially without recent renovations. These may fail or no longer meet standards, necessitating replacement. Discover the process, timelines, and costs involved.
With the rollout of advanced electronic Linky meters starting in 2015, many French households anticipate this upgrade for precise consumption tracking over estimates. However, replacing a functional old meter isn't straightforward.
EDF provides free replacements only in limited cases, such as mandatory power changes or switching tariffs. Changing suppliers does not qualify.
Differentiate between EDF (Électricité de France), one of many suppliers (e.g., Lampiris, Direct Energie, GDF Suez), and its subsidiary ERDF (Électricité Réseau Distribution France), which manages the network. Submit your replacement request to your supplier, who forwards it to ERDF. Only ERDF technicians can handle meter work—private electricians cannot.
Expect a 3-month wait for EDF's response. Your case undergoes thorough review to confirm necessity. If approved, ERDF sends a service proposal; a technician arrives within 10 days of agreement.
EDF covers defective meter replacements fully. Functional old models do not qualify. You'll pay for upgrades to modern meters, tariff changes, single-phase to three-phase conversions (or vice versa), or power adjustments. The current flat fee is €48.
Avoid paying for non-urgent replacements—by 2021, 35 million French homes will have Linky, with rollout imminent. ERDF states installation is free, funded by reduced interventions, meter readings, and fraud prevention.
