Is it Compulsory to Have a Linky Meter in France?
What are Linky electricity meters in France? Is it mandatory to have one? The Linky meter is designed to simplify administrative procedures and help homeowners in France manage their energy consumption and electricity bills. Linky is also a valuable tool for identifying potential issues on the network, enabling quicker troubleshooting and resolution.
The New Linky Meter
Today, 35 million households can benefit from the advantages of the Linky meter. This modernisation is essential for better-managed energy consumption, more efficient services and potential savings.
Is My Data Secure?
All user’s overall electricity consumption data is personal and confidential. Encrypted, it is transmitted to Enedis remotely using Power Line Communication (PLC) technology, which utilises electrical network cables. The monthly data is communicated to the user’s electricity provider to manage the contract. However, without prior consent, it will never be shared with a third party.
Will Bills Increase with a New Meter?
The metering system remains the same, Linky recording the same energy as the old meter. Additionally, it gives users daily access to their actual consumption, not estimates. Homeowners know precisely where they stand and only pay for the electricity they consume.
Does the System Pose Any Risks?
Power Line Communication is a reliable technology that has been used by millions of people worldwide for over 50 years. Linky’s electric field is identical to the old meter’s (between 0.25 V/m and 2 V/m). According to the National Frequency Agency (ANFR), it is well below the regulatory limit (87 V/m). For comparison, it is 15 V/m for a low-consumption light bulb and 4 V/m for a computer.
Who is Enedis?
Enedis is a public service company managing the electricity distribution network, employing 38,000 people. Serving 37.5 million clients, it develops, operates, and modernises 1.4 million kilometres of low and medium-voltage electrical networks and manages the associated data.
Enedis handles client connections, 24/7 repairs, meter readings, and all technical interventions. Acting on behalf of local authorities, who own the networks, it is independent of energy suppliers responsible for selling and managing electricity supply contracts.
Is Linky Mandatory?
The law mandates the replacement of old meters with Linky meters and Enedis is carrying this out nationwide. As part of this replacement campaign, continue their installation free of charge. Non-Linky households currently face additional costs of approximately €54 per year; this amount will rise in the future due to new regulations. It’s important to note that starting in January 2025, Enedis will charge extra fees to households not equipped with a Linky meter.
Some Controversy
The Linky meter has been controversial in France. Some opponents claim that the meters cause health problems for people sensitive to electromagnetic waves. In 2021, a court ruled that Enedis could not force people to install a meter, but the court did not force Enedis to stop installing them.
Key Benefits and New Services
Nothing changes for homeowners: their contract remains the same, the installation is completed in 30 minutes by an approved partner company and requires no additional work. They can enjoy the new benefits and services, making their life easier by managing their account on the Enedis website, where detailed consumption reports are available anytime.
Make Your Life Easier
Most operations and procedures related to your contract and services are now done remotely. It’s no longer required to arrange appointments with technicians for meter readings; monthly consumption data is automatically transmitted digitally to Enedis. There are no more calls to make for all customer requests (contract modifications, meter power changes); everything is done on the unit remotely, directly at home.
Up to 10% Savings
The Ecological Transition Agency (ADEME) states that providing users access to more precise and transparent information through the Linky meter can help them understand and reduce energy consumption. Savings can reach up to 10% for the highest consumers of electricity. While we’re on the subject of saving money, this is a good opportunity to consider comparing home insurance costs as well as currency transfer providers; you could be surprised.
Better Understanding Means Better Control
Customers can access their actual energy consumption using their personalised provider space, not estimates, as with the previous meters. This means they can better control their electricity bills by modifying their habits and saving money. It also means that electricity providers can offer new tariff plans better suited to their clients’ needs and usage.
Fast Troubleshooting in Case of an Outage
In the event of a storm or any other electrical failure, the Linky meter helps detect issues on the electrical grid as early as possible and does so remotely. This simplifies diagnostics and allows for quicker interventions. Furthermore, if an overvoltage is detected on the grid, the Linky meter automatically cuts off the power supply to prevent potential damage to electrical or electronic devices in the home.
Transitioning to Green Energy
Nearly 400,000 households in France now produce and consume their own electricity by installing solar panels. For those wishing to produce their electricity, whether solar (photovoltaic panels), wind, or drive electric, Linky facilitates the installation and integration of these new uses into the network while ensuring the security of electricity distribution for all. For more information about producing electricity, visit the Enedis website or talk to a qualified electrician.
Help the Planet!
It is estimated that Europe, Canada, China and the United States have one billion smart communicating electric meters installed worldwide at the end of 2022. Installing a smart meter like Linky promotes the ecological transition and the deployment of future and cleaner energies.
Key Figures
- 0 € – The installation of Linky is free, with no installation fees.
- 30 minutes – The average installation time for your new meter.
- 63% of French households are interested in self-producing energy.
