By Compare gas suppliers in France
There are over 16 national gas suppliers competing in France in 2026, all delivering gas through the same GRDF distribution network. Price, green credentials, and contract flexibility vary significantly between suppliers — and switching is completely free, with no interruption to your supply. The offers below are updated live.
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How to open a gas account in France
Opening a gas account takes about 10 minutes online or by phone. Your supplier handles all communication with GRDF (the network operator) — you never contact GRDF directly to open a residential account. The process is the same whether you're opening a new account, switching suppliers, or taking over a contract from a previous tenant.
GRDF meter activation fees
GRDF charges a one-off activation fee that appears on your first gas bill. The cost depends on how quickly you need the supply activated. Most households use the standard option and plan their move-in date accordingly.
| Activation type | Lead time | Price incl. VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Recommended | 5 working days | €18.58 |
| Express | 24–48 hours | €59.61 |
| Urgent | Within 24 hours | €143.01 |
GRDF activation fees TTC, charged by your supplier on the first bill. Source: GRDF published tariff schedule.
Information required to open an account
The table below covers every piece of information gas suppliers typically request. Having it ready before you call or go online avoids delays — especially the PCE number, which many new arrivals don't know they need.
| What | Where to find it | Why it's needed |
|---|---|---|
| Full address | Including floor, apartment number, building name | Identifies your specific meter on the GRDF network |
| Previous occupant's name | Ask your landlord or estate agent | Ensures correct meter assignment and billing continuity |
| PCE number | On a previous bill or on the meter itself (14 digits) | Your meter's unique ID on the GRDF network (equivalent of PDL for electricity) |
| French IBAN | Your bank's app or a statement | Required for the monthly direct debit — most suppliers require a French account |
| Email + French phone | — | Contract confirmation and GRDF activation notice are sent by email/SMS |
Some suppliers (e.g. ekWateur, Mint Energie) accept foreign IBANs. Most require a French account. Selectra can advise on which suppliers accept your situation.
How much does gas cost in France?
Gas prices for new subscriptions are no longer regulated in France since June 2023. Most suppliers now index their offers to the Prix Repère Gaz (PRG), a monthly benchmark published by the CRE energy regulator. Competitive market offers typically sit below the PRG, which can represent meaningful savings per year for a household that heats with gas.
The table below shows indicative annual bills by usage type in 2026, based on PRG pricing. Your actual bill will depend on your consumption, insulation, and the specific offer you choose.
| Usage profile | Consumption class | Typical annual bill |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking only | Base — under 1,000 kWh/yr | ~€200 |
| Cooking + hot water | B0 — under 6,000 kWh/yr | ~€550 |
| Heating 100 m² Most common | B1 — 6,000–30,000 kWh/yr | €1,400–1,600 |
| Heating 150 m² | B1 large | €2,000–2,300 |
Indicative estimates based on PRG reference pricing, Mai 2026. Actual bills depend on insulation, usage habits, and offer chosen. See our gas prices guide for live PRG data.
For a full breakdown of how gas bills are calculated — including the PRG benchmark, live supplier prices, and the fixed network and tax components — see our dedicated guide: Gas prices in France.
How to switch your gas supplier in France
Switching gas suppliers is free and legally protected under French energy law. Your gas supply is never interrupted during a switch, there is no minimum engagement period, and your new supplier handles the cancellation of your previous contract automatically. The process typically takes around 4 working days from the moment you sign a new contract.
Advantages
- Completely free — no cancellation fee, no penalty, no admin charge
- No interruption to your gas supply during the switch
- Your new supplier cancels the old contract on your behalf
- No minimum contract length required by French law
- Can save several hundred euros per year on a heated home
Disadvantages
- You need your PCE number (14-digit meter ID) to sign up with a new supplier
- Most suppliers require a French bank account for the direct debit
- Savings are most significant for B1 profiles (heating) — less so for cooking-only
Not sure which offer to switch to? Call Selectra on +33 9 87 67 37 93 — advisors compare all live offers for your address in English and complete the signup on the spot. Free, no commitment.
Gas in France: what expats need to know
France's gas market has a few specifics that can catch new arrivals off guard — from the role of GRDF to the end of the regulated rate. Here's what to know before opening or switching an account.
Frequently asked questions
Some suppliers accept foreign IBANs — ekWateur and Mint Energie are the most common examples. However, the majority of French gas suppliers require a French IBAN for the direct debit. If you've just arrived, online banks such as Revolut or N26 can open a French account quickly, sometimes within 24 hours, without requiring a permanent address.
Standard GRDF activation takes 5 working days from when your supplier submits the request. Express activation (24–48h) and urgent same-day options are available at higher cost — €59.61 and €143.01 respectively. If the previous occupant left the gas connected, you can often take over the supply immediately with no activation delay.
The PCE (Point de Comptage et d'Estimation) is your gas meter's 14-digit unique identifier on the GRDF network — the gas equivalent of the electricity PDL. Find it on any previous gas bill, on a sticker on the meter itself, or ask your landlord. Selectra advisors can also locate your PCE from your address.
No. France's gas market has been fully open to competition since 2007. Engie was the historical monopoly supplier, but today over 16 national suppliers compete for residential customers on the same GRDF network. Alternative suppliers typically offer prices below the market reference, with no difference in gas quality or delivery reliability.
The GRDF network covers most of France, but not every property is connected — gas requires a physical pipe connection to the building. Rural areas, newer constructions (post-2022), and some older buildings rely on alternative heating such as heat pumps, electric, fuel oil, or propane tanks. To check your address, your supplier can verify from your postcode, or call Selectra on +33 9 87 67 37 93.