Utilities in France - getting your French home connected
Utilities in France are mostly state-run and this means getting your French home connected is a fairly straightforward process. Whilst gas and electricity are still state-run, private companies do supply water to your property. France has been deliberating whether to privatise for years but for the moment this is how to get connected.
Utilities in France - opening an account
You will need to provide proof of your identity (passport etc) and your address (rent or sale agreement). The previous occupier of your French home should be able to provide you with documentary evidence that their contract has ended. This will speed up the process of getting utilities in France connected in your name.
For all utilities in France you will pay a flat rate in advance and charges for consumption in arrears.
Utilities in France - electricity
Electricité de France, or EDF, is the state-run electricity supplier to all property in France. Various tariffs are available depending upon nighttime and daytime consumption and both will be itemised on your bill.
EDF can be contacted nationally on 08 10 12 61 26 or online. Service to your French home can generally be re-established within a few days.
Utilities in France - gas
Again, there is only one supplier of mains gas for French property. Gaz de France, or GDF, is part of EDF and can be contacted on 08 10 14 01 50 or online at www.gazdefrance.com.
As with electricity, gas supply to your French home can normally be re-established within a few days.
You will be billed for electricity and gas together and a single bill will be sent to your French home once every two months.
Utilities in France - water
Unlike gas and electricity, water is delivered by dozens of private companies who sign contracts with local councils to cover a certain area. Your local town hall, or mairie, will be able to tell you which company is responsible for providing your property. France sees massive variations in the cost of water, which is calculated by the cubic metre consumed in your French home.
The frequency with which water companies bill you also varies. Some will do so every month whereas some will send an annual account to your French home.
Waste Disposal
Rubbish collection is organised by local authorities and the mairie will be able to inform you who is responsible for collecting from your French home and when they will do so.
Recycling is popular in France and local authorities provide recycling bins, which can be found in most areas.
Homeowners, and sometimes tenants, are responsible for the payment of taxe d´ordures, the waste disposal tax.
It is advisable to contact all utilities in France at the earliest possible date to ask them to connect your property. France´s utility companies are fairly efficient but is still better to have this taken care of before you move into your French home.
