Linky Meter: The Complete Guide

The Linky meter is the communicating smart meter that Enedis has rolled out across France since 2015. By 2026, over 35 million units cover almost the entire residential network. It enables automatic remote readings, real-time consumption tracking, and remote interventions — eliminating estimated bills and many in-person technician visits. This guide covers how it works, the data it collects, the safeguards in place, and what you can refuse.

> **Key takeaways**

> - More than 35 million Linky meters installed across France by 2026.

> - Uses Powerline Communication (CPL) to transmit data to Enedis.

> - You can opt out of detailed half-hourly data collection.

> - ANSES and ANFR studies conclude electromagnetic exposure is very low.

> - Enables off-peak tariffs, Tempo, and real-time consumption tracking.

What Is the Linky Meter?

The Linky meter is the communicating meter deployed by Enedis across French territory. Installed since 2015, it is gradually replacing old electromechanical (wheel) and electronic meters. For more information about energy in France, explore our complete guides.

A National Deployment

The Linky fleet deployment is part of a European directive aimed at modernizing electrical networks. In France, more than 35 million meters have been installed, covering almost all households connected to the Enedis network.

Technical Characteristics

The Linky meter uses PLC (Powerline Communication) technology to communicate with concentrators installed on the network. This data is then transmitted to Enedis's information system via telephone or mobile network.

Advantages of the Linky Meter

For the Consumer

End of Estimates: Readings are automatic and daily. Your bills reflect your actual consumption, without unpleasant surprises or major adjustments.

Detailed Consumption Tracking: Through your Enedis customer portal, you can view your consumption by day, hour, or even half-hour. This helps you identify energy-consuming appliances.

Remote Interventions: Power changes, service activation, special readings... Many operations can be performed remotely, without scheduling with a technician.

New Tariff Offers: Linky enables innovative offers such as super off-peak hours, dynamic pricing, or control of certain equipment. Learn more about understanding your electricity bill.

For the Electrical Network

Fault Detection: Enedis can identify and locate incidents on the network more quickly.

Network Optimization: Aggregated data enables better supply-demand management and easier integration of renewable energies.

Preparing for the Future: Linky is a key element of smart grids necessary for the energy transition.

Data Collected by Linky

What Linky Records

The meter records your electricity consumption at regular intervals (daily by default). If you activate it, it can collect finer data (hourly or half-hourly).

Data Automatically Transmitted to Enedis: Daily consumption index, maximum power reached, any outages.

Data Accessible on Request: Hourly or half-hourly load curve, if you have given your consent.

Protection of Your Data

Linky data is governed by GDPR and French law. Enedis is responsible for its security and cannot transmit it to third parties without your explicit consent.

**Your Supplier** receives the data necessary for billing (index, power).

**Fine Data** (load curve) is only transmitted to your supplier if you have authorized it.

**You Can Refuse** collection of fine data and keep only the daily reading.

Controversies Surrounding Linky

Health Concerns

Some worry about the waves emitted by PLC. Studies conducted by ANFR (National Frequency Agency) and ANSES (National Health Security Agency) conclude that exposure to electromagnetic fields from Linky is very low, comparable to that of common electrical appliances.

Privacy Questions

The fear of daily life surveillance through electricity consumption exists. In response, CNIL has strictly regulated data use, and you retain control over the fineness of collected data.

Installation Refusal

Legally, the meter belongs to the network operator (Enedis or local authority), not to the occupant of the dwelling. Refusal of installation is therefore legally contestable, even though Enedis favors dialogue.

Bill Increases After Installation

Some consumers have noticed an increase in their bills after Linky installation. This is generally explained by the transition from estimated billing (often underestimated) to actual meter billing.

Using Your Linky Meter Well

Create Your Enedis Account

Visit the Enedis website or app to create your personal space. You can track your consumption, download your data, and manage your authorizations.

Activate Fine Tracking (Optional)

If you want to analyze your consumption finely, you can activate hourly or half-hourly collection. It's useful for optimizing your habits or preparing renovation work.

Check Your Subscribed Power

With Linky data, you can see if your subscribed power is suitable. Too high, and you're paying for unnecessary subscription. Too low, and you risk tripping the circuit breaker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Linky meter mandatory in France in 2026?

Enedis is legally authorised to install Linky meters under the 2015 energy transition law. The meter itself belongs to the network operator (Enedis or your local authority), so refusal is legally difficult to sustain. You can, however, opt out of detailed half-hourly data collection.

Are Linky meter emissions dangerous for health?

ANSES (the French health and safety agency) and ANFR (the national frequency agency) conclude that electromagnetic field exposure from Linky is very low, comparable to common household appliances and well below regulatory thresholds.

Who has access to my consumption data?

Enedis collects the data and is responsible for its security under the GDPR. Your supplier receives only what is needed for billing. Detailed (half-hourly) data is shared with third parties only with your explicit consent.

How do I view my Linky consumption history?

Create an account at mon-compte-enedis.fr or use the Enedis mobile app. You can see daily consumption by default and enable half-hourly tracking in your data preferences.

Why did my bill increase after Linky was installed?

Bills typically reflect actual consumption from the moment Linky is installed. If you were previously on estimated bills that under-estimated your real usage, the first actual bill can appear higher. The total energy used has not changed.

Can I refuse the Linky meter installation?

You can express a refusal, but Enedis can install the meter regardless because it owns the equipment. What you can refuse is the collection of detailed consumption data — manage your preferences at mon-compte-enedis.fr.

Sources and references

This article is informational and may be subject to regulatory updates. For technical questions, consult the official Enedis website.