How to Open a Gas Account in France

Are you moving to a new home in France and want to find out how to connect utilities? Relax: it's easy! Find out how to get connected to gas supply in our guide.

How the Gas Market Works in France

In France you have a choice of supplier for your gas. Gas suppliers are responsible for arranging gas connections, billing, and customer service.

The gas network operator for most of France is called GRDF. This company is responsible for gas delivery, meter readings, and responding to breakdowns in the network.

However, in most cases, your first point of contact for questions about your gas supply is your energy supplier.

How to Open a Gas Account in France

Step 1: Gather the Right Information

Before calling a gas provider, you need to gather the right information. You will need to have the following information handy when you subscribe to a plan:

A gas meter in France; to read your meter, select the numbers with the black background

1. Your contact information: full name, e-mail address, (French) phone number
2. Your full address: If it is a flat, the floor and apartment number are needed (e.g. first floor, door on the right) - don't forget the staircase letter if there are multiple staircases (e.g. Escalier B, flat 2)
3. The name of the previous occupant: this will help the supplier identify your meter number and site ID
4. Your banking information: the supplier will ask for your "RIB", which will include your IBAN and BIC number.

If you are able to have the meter number and site ID ("point de livraison") before moving in, this will help the supplier identify your new home to start service.

Step 2: Choose a Gas Supplier and Plan

Once you have assembled the information you need, you can call an energy supplier or a comparison platform to open a gas account.

In an ideal world you would contact an energy supplier about two weeks before moving in to start service. However, this may not always be possible if you do not have other important aspects of settling in France (bank account, telephone number) sorted first.

Need Help Finding a Supplier and Plan? Call Selectra's English speaking customer service at 09 87 67 37 93 or get a free callback (Monday - Friday, 8.30am-8pm; Sat 9.30am-6pm) to get help in finding the supplier and plan best suited to you.

The following companies provide gas supply in France:

Gas Supply Companies Operating in France

Antargaz	Alterna	Total Direct Energie
EDF	Energem	Engie
Eni	Proxelia

While Engie is the only supplier that can offer regulated rates ("tarifs réglementés"), competitive suppliers in France often offer better deals.

Most energy suppliers offer dual energy offers (electricity + gas). You can avoid additional paperwork and save on subscription costs by subscribing to a dual fuel plan!

Example of Gas Offers

Provider and Offer	Yearly subscription price (incl. taxes)	Kilowatthour price (incl. taxes)	More information
Offre Directe Electricité+Gaz	-€	From to € depending on the tariff zone	09 87 67 37 93 Call me back
Astucio Eco	-€	From to € depending on the tariff zone	09 87 67 37 93 Call me back
Mon contrat Gaz	-€	From to € depending on the tariff zone	09 69 32 15 15
Regulated tariffs ("Tarifs réglementés")	249.84€	From to € depending on the tariff zone	09 69 324 324

Last update: October 1, 2023

Step 3: Your Supplier Contacts GRDF

Once you have opened an account, your chosen energy supplier will contact GRDF on your behalf to activate gas connection. If gas was disconnected at your new home (which sometimes happens if it has been some time since the previous occupant moved out), GRDF will send a technician to reactivate the line.

How much does account activation cost?

GRDF charges a fee for new account activation. These fees will be included in your first gas bill.

Last update: october 1, 2023

That's it! To close an account, simply call your supplier at least 48 hours before your moving out date to arrange for a final meter reading.