By 1. Abonnement
Subscription charge (fixed)
Your energy bill in France contains three charges: a fixed subscription (abonnement), a variable consumption charge, and taxes. The abonnement is fixed regardless of how much energy you use — it covers the cost of maintaining your connection to the electricity or gas grid. The amount varies by supplier and by your power rating (puissance souscrite). You can sometimes reduce it by signing up for a dual-fuel plan.
2. Consommation
Consumption charge (variable)
This is the variable part of your bill — what you actually consumed in kWh multiplied by your per-kWh rate. In France your consumption may be estimated ("consommation sur index estimé" or "consommation annuelle de référence" CAR) or, if you have a Linky smart meter, based on an actual reading. Enedis reads your meter once or twice a year; many suppliers including EDF let you submit a reading online.
3. Conso
Gas consumption class
"Conso" on a gas bill refers to your consumption class — the category that determines your per-kWh gas rate. Depending on your annual gas usage you will see one of three classes:
- Base — cooking only, lowest annual consumption.
- B0 — cooking and hot water.
- B1 — cooking, hot water, and space heating (individual boiler).
4. Facture TTC
Total bill including all taxes
Facture TTC (toutes taxes comprises) means the total amount you owe including all taxes — this is the figure that will be debited from your bank account. In France, VAT (TVA) is applied to subscription charges, consumption charges, and also to other energy-related taxes. The pre-tax equivalent is labelled "Total hors TVA".
5. Panne réseau / Dépannage
Network failure / Repair
Your energy supplier is your first contact for billing and account questions — but for a power outage or gas interruption, you must contact the grid operator directly:
- Electricity — contact Enedis on 09 72 67 50 + your two-digit department code (e.g. 17 for Charente-Maritime).
- Gas leak or interruption — call GRDF on 0 800 47 33 33 (available 24/7).
6. Point de comptage et d'estimation (PCE)
Gas meter reference number
The PCE is a 14-digit number that identifies the location of your gas meter. Energy suppliers need it when you sign up for a new gas account or switch suppliers. You will find it on the front page of your most recent gas bill.
7. Point de livraison (PDL)
Electricity meter reference number
The PDL is a 14-digit number that identifies the location of your electricity meter. It appears on the front page of your electricity bill. If you just moved in and do not have a bill yet, your supplier can find the PDL using your full address and the name of the previous occupant.
8. Prélèvement automatique
Direct debit / automatic withdrawal
Most French energy suppliers accept multiple payment methods, but setting up automatic withdrawal (prélèvement automatique) from your French bank account is standard practice when opening an electricity or gas account. Online-only offers — which tend to have the most competitive rates — often require direct debit. You will need your IBAN and BIC.
9. Puissance souscrite
Subscribed power rating (kVA)
In France you choose your meter's power rating (puissance souscrite), which ranges from 3 kVA to 36 kVA. The rating affects your subscription charge — a lower rating costs less per month. Most French homes use 6 kVA; smaller studios without electric heating can often manage on 3 kVA. If you trip your circuit breaker frequently you may need to increase your rating. A Selectra advisor can check the right rating for your home — call +33 9 87 67 37 93.
Still confused? Check out our full guide to understanding energy bills in France.
Frequently Asked Questions
"Total TTC" (toutes taxes comprises) is the amount due including all taxes — this is what will be debited from your account. "Total hors TVA" is the pre-tax amount. French energy bills apply VAT not only to consumption and subscription charges but also to other energy-related taxes.
The abonnement is a fixed monthly fee covering the cost of maintaining your connection to the electricity or gas grid, regardless of how much energy you consume. It varies depending on your power rating (puissance souscrite) and the offer you have subscribed to.
Both numbers appear on the left-hand side of your most recent energy bill. The PDL (electricity) and PCE (gas) are each 14-digit numbers. If you do not have a bill yet — for example because you just moved in — your supplier can find the PDL or PCE using your full address and the name of the previous occupant.