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Electricity in France

The main electricity provider in France is EDF (Électricité de France), which is combined with the gas provider GDF (Gaz de France), so electric bills are headed EDF/GDF.

France has the same electrical voltage as the UK and most of Europe (220V), so your UK electrical appliances should work.

In general, the electrical supply in France is less reliable than in the UK, especially in the rural areas. This is purely because overhead cables are more susceptible to problems with the elements. Although this problem is improving as the EDF continue their works of converting the main power cables to all towns and villages from overhead to underground. 

Many areas have short but frequent failures, power surges are another problem (especially during lightning storms). It is well worth fitting some electrical surge protection to the items most prone to damage, i.e. computers, satellite receivers and any electronic goods based on computer chips. An UPS (uninterrupted power supply) for your computer, which is basically a small battery backup, so that in the event of a power cut it will give you time to save your work before the computer goes down. This I feel is essential. Most power cuts are brief; having a torch kept in the same place where you can find it easily in the dark is useful.

EDF Power Tariffs

Domestic power is supplied in multiples of 3kW to a maximum of 36kW (note that in France kW are often referred to as kVA). As the KW rating increases so does the tariff for the standing charge. Tariffs

The 9kW rating is usually just about enough for a three-bedroom house, though 12 to 15kw are needed if you have electric heating and electric hot water. If you attempt to draw electricity above your supply rating, the EDF trip switch (le disjoncteur) will automatically turn the power off.

Tariffs
Electricity consumers can choose one of three tariffs:

Basic rate (Option de Base)
A simple base rate charged at all times. The standing charge is lower than the other options, though this tariff is only available for installations up to 18kW.

Off peak (Option 'Heures Creuses')
This option will give you eight hours (usually 10pm to 6am but it depends on demand in your area) of off-peak power per day at a lower rate, and basic rate tariffs at other times. The standing charge is slightly higher than the basic rate option. To make best use of the off peak periods it is recommended that you use your electric central heating, water heating and washing machine/dishwasher during these periods of cheaper rate electricity.

Tempo (Option Tempo)
Available only for power supplies of 9kW and higher, and with a standing charge somewhere between those of the basic and off-peak options, Tempo is designed to dampen demand during very cold weather. The year is made up of 300 blue days, (when the tariff is cheapest), 43 white days and 22 red days. The red days being the most expensive. The days are selected by EDF according to temperature, with prices higher during colder weather.

Billing
Bills are usually sent every two months. This includes a standing charge (l’abonnement), based on the level of power supply, national and local taxes. Accounts can be settled by cheque, direct debit (virement automatique) or standing order (prélèvement automatique), so you will need a French bank account. In the case of a standing order, use is estimated for the year and a monthly payment set. At the end of the year the actual use is calculated and the client gets a bill or rebate accordingly.

For advice and estimates Email: info@electriciansbrittany.com

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