How to Subscribe to Electricity & Gas in France (2025 Edition)

Relocating to France is an exciting adventure—but before you settle into your new apartment, there's an essential step to check off your list: setting up your electricity and gas services. This process can feel a bit overwhelming, especially for expats who are unfamiliar with the French utility system or aren't fluent in the French language. 

No need to stress—this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about subscribing to electricity and gas in France in 2025. Whether you're moving into a classic Haussmannian apartment in Paris or a modern studio, we'll help you get your utilities up and running smoothly—so you can focus on enjoying your new Parisian life.

Understanding the French Energy System: Electricity & Gas Providers Explained

In France, energy services are split between network operators (who manage the infrastructure) and energy suppliers (who bill you). The good news? You’re free to choose your supplier—and switching is always free.

Step 1: Gather Essential Elements Before You Call to Subscribe to Electricity and Gas

Here are all the elements you need to subscribe to electricity and gas in France:

• New address of your apartment    
• Move-in date    
• Bank details (IBAN/RIB)  
• Meter reading (if your apartment is not equipped with a Linky smart meter) 
• Meter IDs    
  • PDL/PRM (electricity): 14-digit electricity ID
  • PCE (gas): 14-digit gas ID

Note: PRM is the technical identifier used on Linky meters and is functionally equivalent to the traditional PDL number.

Linky meters automatically transmit consumption data to the provider. Therefore, no manual reading is needed when subscribing to a contract.

How to Locate Your Meter in a Paris Apartment?

In French apartments—especially in multi-unit buildings—your electricity or gas meter is typically located in one of the following places:

• Inside the apartment: Commonly found in the entrance hallway, a closet, or near the fuse box.
• In the building's common areas: Often located in the basement, ground floor hallway, or inside a shared meter cabinet, which may be behind a locked door.
• On the landing or stairwell: In some older buildings, meters may be grouped by floor near apartment doors.

🔍 Tip: If you can't find your meter, ask your landlord or the building's gardien (caretaker) if there is one. In some cases, you may need to request a key to access locked areas.

How to Find Your Meter IDs (PDL and PCE)?

Where can I find the PDL number?

The PDL number (Point De Livraison) is a unique 14-digit identifier for your electricity supply point in France. It tells the electricity provider exactly where to deliver power—like an address for your meter. You'll find it on your meter or electricity bill, and you'll need it when setting up, transferring, or changing your electricity contract.

How to locate the PDL number:

• If you have a Linky meter: Press the "+" button on the meter until the screen displays "Numéro de PRM". This number is the equivalent of the PDL.
• If you don't have a smart Linky meter: The PDL number can be found on a previous electricity bill. If you don't have access to one, ask the former tenant or your landlord for the information.

Where can I find my PCE (gas) number?

The PCE number (Point de Comptage et d'Estimation) is a unique identifier for your gas supply point in France. It helps the gas provider locate exactly where to deliver gas to your home. You'll need it when setting up, transferring, or changing a gas contract. You can usually find the PCE number on a previous gas bill. If you don't have one, ask the former tenant or the landlord.

Step 2: Compare Energy Offers

Electricity Offers in France

France still offers a regulated tariff called "Tarif Bleu", managed by EDF—as of February 1, 2025, it dropped by 15% to 239 €/MWh. You can also consider other alternative electricity offers:

• Fixed-rate offers: Ideal if you want price stability over time.
• Green (renewable) energy: Choose this to support sustainable energy sources.
• Time-of-use pricing: Best if you use most electricity during off-peak hours.

Gas Offers in France

Regulated tariffs were abolished in July 2023—all gas contracts are now based on market offers.

Step 3: Contact Your Chosen Energy Supplier

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, you’re ready to call your selected energy provider to open your electricity or gas account.

Here are the customer service numbers for some of the main electricity and gas suppliers in France:

Be ready with your PDL/PCE, move-in date, and bank details. The supplier will place the “activation” order with Enedis or GRDF on your behalf.

Step 4: Energy Setup Fees and Activation Timelines (2025)

Once you’ve subscribed, your energy service will be activated based on the type of meter and the urgency of your request. Below is a summary of the standard activation timelines and fees in France for 2025:

💡Note: If your home is equipped with a Linky (electricity) or Gazpar (gas) smart meter, activation can often be done remotely in just minutes. However, if you don’t have a smart meter, a technician visit will be required to complete the setup.

Step 5: On Move-In Day – Final Checks

When you arrive at your new apartment, take a few important steps to ensure your energy setup goes smoothly:

• Check that the electricity is working: Turn on a few lights or plug in a device to confirm that the power is active.
• Record your meter readings: Take clear photos of both the electricity and gas meters (if applicable). These will serve as proof of your initial consumption and help avoid billing disputes.
• Gas activation requires your presence: If a technician's visit is required to activate your electricity or gas service, make sure someone aged 18 or older is present to grant access. This is mandatory for safety reasons, as the technician must inspect the installation and verify there are no risks or gas leaks.

🔍 Tip: Even if your electricity is already on, having a meter photo on move-in day is a good way to protect yourself from incorrect billing.

If you need any help finding an apartment for rent in Paris, don’t hesitate to reach out to Paris Rental. Our experienced multilingual team is here to guide you every step of the way—so you can settle into your new Parisian life with confidence and ease.

Editor: Siyi CHEN