Overview of Utilities in France
The utility market in France is characterized by a mix of historic state-owned providers and private competitors. For residents, managing utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and internet is a primary step in establishing a legal residence. Most contracts are managed digitally, and payment is almost exclusively handled via prélèvement automatique (automatic debit) from a French or European bank account.
Utility bills in France serve a dual purpose: they are the most widely accepted form of justificatif de domicile (proof of address), which is required for almost all administrative procedures, including opening bank accounts and applying for residency permits.
Electricity and Natural Gas
The energy market in France is liberalized, meaning consumers can choose between the historical provider, EDF (Électricité de France), and various alternative suppliers like TotalEnergies, Engie, or Eni. Despite competition, EDF remains the provider for the "regulated tariff" (tarif bleu), which is overseen by the government.
Smart Meters and Connection
Most French homes are now equipped with "Linky" smart meters for electricity and "Gazpar" for gas. These devices transmit consumption data automatically, eliminating the need for manual technician readings. If the power is currently off in a new home, a technician from Enedis (the network operator) may need to intervene, though this is often done remotely with smart meters.
Estimated Costs
Costs vary significantly based on heating type (electric vs. gas) and home insulation. On average, a 50m² apartment may expect to pay between 80 EUR ($86.40 USD, Jan 2026) and 130 EUR ($140.40 USD, Jan 2026) per month for combined electricity and heating. Activation fees for a new contract typically cost around 15 EUR ($16.20 USD, Jan 2026) to 30 EUR ($32.40 USD, Jan 2026), which will appear on the first invoice.
Official information on energy rights and price comparisons can be found at the Médiateur National de l'Énergie.
Water and Waste Services
Unlike electricity, water supply is a local monopoly managed by the municipality (commune). Depending on the region, the provider may be a private company like Veolia, Suez, or Saur, or a public entity (régie publique).
Subscription Rules
- Apartments (Appartements): In most multi-unit buildings, the water contract is held by the building management (copropriété). Water usage is often included in the monthly service charges (charges locatives). Residents do not need to open an individual account.
- Houses (Maisons): Residents must contact the local town hall (Mairie) or the specific regional provider to open an account in their name upon moving in.
Waste Collection
Waste management is funded through a local tax known as the Taxe d'Enlèvement des Ordures Ménagères (TEOM). This is typically paid once a year by the property owner, but if you are renting, the owner will usually pass this cost to the tenant as part of the annual "charge adjustment."
Internet and Telecommunications
France has one of the most competitive telecommunications markets in Europe. The four major national operators are Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free. Service is typically delivered via fiber optic (Fibre) or ADSL.
Types of Contracts
Providers offer two main types of contracts:
- With commitment (avec engagement): Usually a 12 or 24-month contract, often offering lower initial monthly rates or discounted hardware.
- Without commitment (sans engagement): Higher flexibility, allowing cancellation at any time, typically offered by low-cost sub-brands like Sosh (Orange) or Red (SFR).
Average Pricing
A standard "Triple Play" package (Internet, Landline, and TV) generally costs between 25 EUR ($27.00 USD, Jan 2026) for entry-level fiber and 55 EUR ($59.40 USD, Jan 2026) for premium high-speed packages. Installation of the fiber socket is usually free if the building is already connected, though "activation fees" of approximately 49 EUR ($52.92 USD, Jan 2026) are common.
To check fiber eligibility at a specific address, residents can use the official ARCEP Fiber Map.
Practical Steps for Setup
To open any utility account in France, you will generally need the following documentation:
- Proof of Identity: A valid passport or European ID card.
- Proof of Residence: A signed lease agreement (bail de location) or property title.
- Banking Details: A Relevé d'Identité Bancaire (RIB) for automatic debits. Note: Most providers accept IBANs from the SEPA zone, but some automated systems may still require a French IBAN.
- The Meter Number: For electricity, the PDL (Point de Livraison); for gas, the PCE (Point de Comptage et d'Estimation). These are found on previous bills or provided by the landlord.
Moving Out Procedures
When vacating a property, you must notify your utility providers to "terminate" (résilier) the contract. Failure to do so may result in being billed for the next occupant's consumption. For electricity and gas, you should provide a final meter reading on your last day. Most internet providers require the physical return of the "Box" and related cables via a drop-off point (point relais) or mail.