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Setting up electricity, gas and internet in France

How to open an electricity (and gas) contract when you move into a French home, what the PDL number and the Linky meter are, the regulated tariff versus market offers in 2026, and how to choose, install and later cancel a home internet box without unexpected fees.

Checked 7 Oct 2026
Applies to
Anyone moving into a flat or house in France where energy and internet are not included in the rent. In many furnished flats, student residences and flatshares, some utilities are included; check your lease.
Effort
Medium effort
Time needed
About 30 minutes per contract online. Electricity is usually switched on within five working days; internet installation can take one to several weeks.
Cost
Activation fees are set by the network operators and are the same whatever supplier you choose; express activation costs extra. Monthly costs depend on your consumption and the offer.
When
Contact an energy supplier at least 15 days before you move in; order internet as soon as you know your address
On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Before you start
  3. Documents you need
  4. Step by step
  5. Cancelling and moving out
  6. Watch out
  7. Common mistakes
  8. Tips
  9. Frequently asked questions
  10. Official links
  11. In your plan
  12. Sources
  13. Related guides

In France you choose your own electricity and gas supplier and your own internet provider; the landlord usually only transfers the meters. The physical networks are run by Enedis for electricity in most of the country and GRDF for gas, whatever supplier you pick. This means switching on the power takes the same time and costs the same with every supplier.

The key identifier is your meter's delivery point number (point de livraison, PDL, also called point de référence mesure, PRM): a 14-digit number on the Linky smart meter or on the previous occupant's bill. For gas, the equivalent is the PCE number.

Before you start

  • A signed lease or a move-in date and the exact address, including floor and flat number

Documents you need

  • Passport or ID card

    required

  • Lease or proof of address

    required

  • French or SEPA bank details (RIB) for direct debit

    required

Step by step

  1. Step 1: Check what is included and find your meter numbers

    Read the lease: in some buildings heating and hot water are collective and charged through the service charges, so you only need an electricity contract. Ask the landlord or agency for the PDL/PRM number (and the PCE for gas), or read it on the meter. Note the meter readings on the day you get the keys and add them to the move-in inspection.

  2. Step 2: Choose an electricity offer

    You can choose the regulated sales tariff (tarif réglementé de vente d'électricité, TRVE), set by the state on a proposal from the energy regulator CRE and offered by EDF and local distribution companies, or a market offer from any supplier, with fixed or variable prices. The regulated tariff rose by about 2.5% on average on 1 August 2026; the CRE estimated the effect at around €26 a year for an average household using 4.5 MWh.

    Compare offers on the free, independent comparator of the national energy ombudsman, which has no commercial ties to suppliers. Check the subscribed power (puissance souscrite, in kVA), the price per kWh, the fixed subscription and whether the price is fixed for a period.

  3. Step 3: Open the contract at least 15 days before moving in

    Contact the chosen supplier online or by phone with the PDL/PCE number, your move-in date and your bank details. The supplier sends the request to Enedis or GRDF. Standard activation (mise en service) takes about five working days; an express activation in under two days is possible for a fee. If you arrive without a contract, do not use the power on a cut-off meter; call a supplier straight away.

  4. Step 4: Give your meter reading and set up payment

    On moving day, send the meter readings to your supplier so that you are only billed from your arrival. Many suppliers propose monthly direct debits based on an estimate, with an annual adjustment. With a Linky meter, readings are transmitted remotely and you can follow your consumption in your supplier or Enedis account.

  5. Step 5: Check internet availability at your address

    Use the telecom regulator ARCEP's map Ma connexion internet to see which technologies are available at your exact address: fibre, DSL, cable, 4G/5G home boxes or satellite. Even in large cities, individual buildings can still lack a fibre connection. If the previous tenant had fibre, ask whether a fibre socket (prise optique) is installed.

  6. Step 6: Choose a box offer and order it

    Several national operators and smaller providers sell "box" offers combining internet, a landline and often TV. Compare the monthly price after any promotional period, the commitment length, the installation and termination fees and the deposit for equipment. An operator cannot impose a commitment longer than 24 months, and if it offers a commitment of more than 12 months it must also offer the same deal with a 12-month commitment. You usually need ID, proof of address and bank details. If you order online or by phone, you have 14 days to withdraw.

  7. Step 7: Install and keep your paperwork

    Depending on the line, you plug in the box yourself or a technician comes to connect fibre to the flat. Keep the contract summary and the box serial number. For mobile internet while you wait, a 4G/5G box or your phone's hotspot can bridge the gap.

Cancelling and moving out

  • Energy: tell your supplier your move-out date and send the final meter reading. To change supplier, you simply sign up with the new one, which handles the switch; check your contract for any conditions.
  • Internet: without a commitment, or once it has ended, you can cancel at any time without a cancellation fee related to the commitment; the operator must apply it within ten days of receiving your request. During a 12-month commitment, you pay the remaining months. During a 24-month commitment, you pay the remaining months up to month 12, then a quarter of the remaining amounts.
  • Free early cancellation is possible for a legitimate reason, for example moving to an area the operator does not serve, losing your job or a long hospitalisation, with supporting documents by registered letter.
  • Return the box and decoder to a shop, relay point or by post; otherwise you may be charged for them.
  • Keeping a number: call 3179 (free) from your line to get your RIO portability code and give it to the new operator, which then cancels the old contract for you.
  • Disputes: contact customer service in writing first, then the free Médiateur des communications électroniques or, for energy, the national energy ombudsman.

Watch out

Be wary of door-to-door or phone sellers who ask for your PDL number or bank details to "check your contract"; you may be switched to a new supplier without realising it.

Promotional internet prices often rise after 6 or 12 months; check the full price over the commitment period.

Common mistakes

  • Waiting until moving day to call an energy supplier and paying for express activation.
  • Not sending meter readings at move-in, and being billed for the previous occupant's consumption.
  • Forgetting to return the box when cancelling, which can lead to an equipment charge.

Tips

  • Ask the previous tenant or the landlord for an old bill; it shows the PDL/PCE number and the typical consumption.
  • If your income is low, check whether you receive the state's energy voucher (*chèque énergie*), which helps pay energy bills.
  • Keep all contracts in one folder; energy and internet bills are accepted as proof of address in many procedures.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.

Do I need a French bank account to get electricity and internet?

Suppliers usually ask for bank details for direct debit. Whether a non-French account is accepted depends on the company, so ask before ordering; opening a French account early makes these contracts simpler.

Is the regulated tariff always cheaper?

Not necessarily. Some market offers are cheaper, especially fixed-price offers when wholesale prices are low, while others are more expensive. Compare on the energy ombudsman's comparator.

The flat has no electricity when I arrive. What should I do?

Contact a supplier immediately with the PDL number to request activation. Standard activation takes about five working days; ask about express activation if you cannot wait.

In your plan

  • Set up electricity and order internet for your home
  • When you move out, give notice and update your address

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 4 Feb 2027.

  1. Médiateur national de l'énergie (énergie-info)Official source
    Je déménage, j'emménage : les démarches pour l'électricité et le gaz naturel (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 7 Oct 2026
  2. Médiateur national de l'énergieOfficial source
    Comparateur d'offres d'électricité et de gaz naturel (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 7 Oct 2026
  3. Commission de régulation de l'énergie (CRE)Official source
    La CRE propose une évolution du niveau moyen des tarifs réglementés de vente de l'électricité de +2,5 % TTC au 1er août 2026 (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 7 Oct 2026

    Published 16 July 2026; average household impact about €26 per year

  4. ARCEPOfficial source
    Ma connexion internet (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 7 Oct 2026
  5. Service-Public.fr (DILA, Premier ministre)Official source
    Téléphone, internet ou télévision – résiliation du contrat (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 7 Oct 2026
  6. Service-Public.fr (DILA, Premier ministre)Official source
    Téléphone, internet ou télévision – conclusion du contrat (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 7 Oct 2026

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