Moving: Transferring Your Energy…

When you move home in France, your electricity and gas contracts don't transfer automatically. You terminate the old contract and subscribe at the new address — both steps are free, but they need to happen on the right dates. With a Linky meter, activation typically takes under 24 hours in 2026. This guide walks through the deadlines, the meter codes (PDL, PCE), and the readings to record on both ends.

> **Key takeaways**

> - Start the process 2–3 weeks before moving day to avoid delays.

> - Energy contracts do not transfer with a move — terminate the old, subscribe at the new address.

> - You need the PDL (electricity) or PCE (gas) number for the new address.

> - Linky activation is usually completed in under 24 hours.

> - Always read and photograph meters on departure and arrival.

When Should You Handle Your Energy Contracts?

Managing your energy contracts is one of the essential tasks when moving. It's recommended to handle this at least 2 weeks before your moving date to avoid last-minute stress. For more on the energy market in France, explore our complete guides.

The Ideal Schedule

2 to 3 weeks before: Contact your current supplier and the chosen supplier for the new home.

1 week before: Confirm termination and activation dates.

Moving day: Read the meters at both old and new homes.

Terminating Your Old Contract

How to Terminate?

Termination is free and without notice. You can complete the process by phone, online through your customer portal, or by mail (with acknowledgment of receipt to keep a record).

Information to Provide

Your customer number
Address of the home you're leaving
Effective termination date (key return date)
Your meter index on departure day
Your new address (to receive the final bill)

The Final Bill

Your supplier will send you a final bill based on your consumption up to the termination date. If you were on automatic payment, the balance will be debited or refunded as applicable.

Opening a Contract at the New Home

Choosing Your Supplier

Moving is an opportunity to switch suppliers if you wish. Compare offers to find the one that best suits your needs.

Necessary Information

Your identity and contact details
Exact address of the new home
Delivery Point number (PDL for electricity) or Counting and Estimation Point (PCE for gas) - often on previous occupant's bills or on the meter
Desired activation date
Desired subscribed power (for electricity)

If You Don't Know the PDL or PCE

Don't panic! With the exact address of the home, your supplier can generally find this information. Enedis (electricity) and GRDF (gas) have search tools.

Meter Activation

Different Scenarios

Linky Meter (electricity): Activation is done remotely, in less than 24 working hours. No physical intervention is necessary.

Classic Meter (electricity): An Enedis technician must intervene to read the meter and verify activation. Standard delay is 5 working days.

Gas Meter: A GRDF technician intervenes to open the meter. Standard delay is 5 working days.

Activation Fees

Activation fees apply, billed by Enedis or GRDF through your supplier. Rates vary according to delay and meter type.

Express Activation: For an additional fee, you can request faster intervention (24 to 48 hours).

If Electricity or Gas Is Cut Off

If the previous occupant terminated their contract and the meter was closed, you must request a meter opening. The supplier will schedule the intervention.

Meter Readings

At the Old Home

On your departure day, read your meter indices (electricity and gas). Photograph them to keep proof. Transmit these readings to your supplier.

At the New Home

Upon arrival, also read the indices. This protects you in case of dispute over consumption attributable to the previous occupant.

The Inventory

Meter readings are generally mentioned in entry and exit inventories. Check that they correspond to your own readings.

Special Cases

Moving into a New Home

For a never-connected new home, additional steps are necessary (connection request to Enedis/GRDF). This work can take several weeks.

If You're a Tenant

The energy contract is in your name, not the landlord's. So you handle termination and subscription procedures.

Short-Term Furnished Rental

For seasonal or short-term rentals, discuss energy contract management with the owner (some prefer keeping contracts in their name).

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I notify my supplier before moving?

At least two weeks before the move. This gives time to schedule termination of the old contract and meter activation at the new home. With a Linky meter, electricity activation often happens within 24 working hours.

Where can I find my PDL or PCE number?

The PDL (electricity) and PCE (gas) numbers appear on every bill of the previous occupant, and sometimes on the meter itself. If you do not have access, your new supplier can look up the reference using the exact address.

Are there fees to open an energy contract at a new address?

Enedis or GRDF charge an activation fee billed via your supplier — typically modest for a standard activation. Express activation (24–48h) costs more. With a Linky meter, the standard activation is faster and the fee structure is lower.

What should I do with the meter readings?

Read and photograph the meter index on the day you leave the old home and again on arrival. Send both readings to your old and new suppliers. This avoids disputes about consumption from previous or subsequent occupants.

Can the landlord refuse my choice of energy supplier?

No. The energy contract is in the name of the occupant. You choose the supplier freely. The landlord cannot dictate which company you contract with.

What if the previous occupant terminated the contract before I arrive?

If the meter has been closed (cut off), request a "mise en service" (opening) when subscribing. Enedis or GRDF will dispatch a technician — with a Linky meter, this is done remotely.

Sources and references

This article is informational and may be subject to regulatory updates. Activation rates and delays change — consult the Enedis and GRDF websites for current figures.

Moving: Transferring Your Energy Contracts