How to Switch Energy Suppliers in France

Looking to switch energy providers and save on your bills? Change energy provider in France at any time, for free! Yes,it really is that simple to get a better deal for electricity and gas in your home, and save on your energy bills. Learn how to make the switch of provider in just a few easy steps.

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• The Basics
• Switching providers can save you several hundred euros per year on energy bills.
• Your electricity supply will remain uninterrupted : Your meter stays the same, service quality is unaffected, and you can return to regulated tariffs at any time with no penalty
• Switching provider is as simple as a phone call! No extensive paperwork: all it takes to switch providers is a simple phone call. The new provider will terminate your previous contract with your former provider on your behalf
• No cancellation penalty nor activation fees can be charged. It's the law!

The Freedom to Choose Your Energy Provider in France

Change supplier: A simple and risk-free process

• Switching suppliers does not affect your electric or gas meter, nor does it affect the quality of your service.
• The energy provided remains exactly the same, regardless of the chosen provider. Every provider is connected to the same distribution grid and electrons do not discriminate!

Two independent distribution grid operators (Enedis for electricity and GRDF for gas) deliver power and gas to residential consumers. Enedis (formerly ERDF) and GRDF's technicians are responsible for meter readings, new service installation (for example in a newly built home, service activation and deactivation, and distribution network maintenance.

While there is only one distribution grid operator per energy source, in France you have a choice of energy supplier. Switching suppliers is easy - you don't have to take any steps to terminate your previous energy contract (your new provider does it directly), and the process is overseen by the National Mediator for Energy, which ensures that no-double billing problems occur.

Change energy provider in France at any time for free

You can switch providers at any time. Unlike internet and phone providers, energy providers in France are not allowed to impose commitment periods to their customers. This applies to all customers (residential or business) with a power capacity between 3 and 36 kVA. This means that consumers can go back to the regulated tariffs at any time or switch suppliers without penalty.

How to choose the right offer to save on your energy bills?

You have two main choices for your electricity or gas supply:

1. Regulated tariffs for electricity and gas: sold by the historical providers (EDF and Engie). Their prices are controlled by public authorities.
2. Competitive pricing offers, which are offered by both the historic providers and by newer suppliers. By choosing one of these offers, you can save on your energy bill.

Last update: march 1, 2023

Last update: March 1, 2023

How to protect yourself against an increase in electricity or gas prices

Aside from regulated tariff and competitive pricing offers, in the market here are also variable price and fixed price options. Variable-price offers follow changes in the regulated electricity or gas tariff. These offers will therefore automatically increase by the same percentage, regardless of suppler. For example, with the regulated tariff for gas increasing by 12.6% on 1st October 2021, the variable-price offers pinned to this index will be impacted by the equivalent percentage, on average.

In contrast, Fixed-price offers have a gas price which is blocked upon subscription and which is maintained throughout the duration of the contract. This period generally varies between 1 and 4 years. Individuals who have subscribed to this offer are therefore not subject to this new increase, which makes a fixed-price offer an interesting solution to protect against future increases.

Here are some examples of fixed price offers:

Last update: march 1, 2023

Reasons to change power suppliers

There are plenty of reasons to compare energy supply options in France:

1. Save on electricity and gas prices: some providers offer fixed prices, while others offer indexed prices that follow the evolution of regulated tariffs. Either option can save you money on your energy bills
2. Improved customer service quality: customer focus can be an important element of your decision. For instance, you may prefere a service provider with English-speaking customer service, or an online only offer which gives you a discount for opting-in to manage your account solely online via your client space.
3. Support renewable energy: most providers offer green energy, often at highly competitive prices.

How to Switch Providers

Here are a few guidelines for an easy energy switch:

1. Do not terminate your previous subscription before signing up for a new one. The new provider will do it for you directly, which will enable you to avoid unnecessary activation fees.
2. Have a previous invoice on hand so you can compare how much you currently pay against alternative offers

All you will need to switch suppliers is:

• Your complete address details (including your floor, apartment number, etc.).
• Your meter number ID (PDL for power and PCE for gas).
• A recent meter reading.

That's it! You can call your chosen supplier directly, or contact one of our English-speaking advisers on 09 87 67 37 93 or ask for a free callback for advice about the best offer for your energy use.