How to switch energy supplier in France
France has a fully liberalised energy market, so you can change electricity or gas provider at any time, without any interruption to your supply and without charge. The process comes down to three steps, and a Selectra advisor can take care of the whole switch for you, in English and free of charge.
Why switch supplier in France?
Since 2007, the energy market has been open to competition across 95% of French territory. Historical suppliers such as EDF now compete nationwide with newer, often cheaper providers, which means more choice and the freedom to subscribe or leave an offer whenever you want. You can always return to EDF and its regulated tariff later if you wish.
Switching saves money on your bills
EDF remains the largest and best-known provider, but its regulated tariff is among the most expensive on the market. Many alternative suppliers deliver the exact same electricity, through the same grid, at a lower price per kWh. The ranking below is pulled live from our comparison engine and updates automatically, so the prices are always current rather than a snapshot.
Loading live offers...
No offers match this filter right now.
Ranked by price · , Toulouse · Savings vs · Source: Selectra.
Switching is an easy way to go green
If the environment matters to you, switching to a green energy contract is one of the simplest steps you can take, and it is often more affordable than people expect. Many providers sell green electricity offers that are cheaper than the regulated tariff. With such an offer you receive the same electricity as before, but your supplier commits to injecting an equivalent amount of renewable energy (solar, hydro, wind) into the grid. Use the Green filter in the ranking above to see the cheapest green offers available right now.
Switching can mean better customer service
Customer service is often overlooked but matters just as much as price. If you find your current provider slow to answer or hard to reach in English, switching is a chance to move to a supplier known for responsive support, sometimes with a dedicated English-speaking line.
Which supplier should you choose?
With 24 electricity suppliers and 16 gas suppliers on the French market, the choice can feel overwhelming. Focusing on a few key criteria makes it much easier to narrow down the offer that fits your needs and budget.
Price per kWh & subscription
The two figures that drive your bill: the unit price of energy and the fixed standing charge.
Fixed or indexed price
Fixed rates lock your price for 1 to 2 years; indexed rates follow market trends, up or down.
Green energy options
If reducing your impact matters, look for green or VertVolt-certified renewable offers.
Reviews & reputation
Customer reviews reveal how reliable a supplier is for billing accuracy and support.
English-speaking support
Essential if you are not yet fluent in French; a few suppliers offer dedicated English lines.
Welcome bonuses & promos
Some suppliers add sign-up discounts or promotional rates that sweeten the deal.
To weigh all these criteria in one place, you can use Selectra's free comparison tool (in French), or simply call an English-speaking advisor who will run the comparison with you and complete the switch.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, switching is completely free. There are no termination fees and no cost to sign up with a new provider. The only situation where you handle a cancellation yourself is when you are moving home, otherwise your new supplier takes care of closing your old contract.
No. Switching supplier never interrupts your electricity or gas supply. The physical connection stays the same (operated by Enedis for electricity and GRDF for gas), only the company that bills you changes. There is no technician visit and nothing to disconnect.
Yes. As a tenant you pay the energy bills, so you are free to choose your own supplier and switch whenever you like. You do not need your landlord's permission. When you leave, you simply close your contract and the next occupant opens their own.
The switch itself takes a single phone call of about 10 minutes. The contract with your new supplier then takes effect within a few days. With a Linky or Gazpar smart meter, the changeover is handled remotely with no appointment needed.
Yes. The regulated electricity tariff (TRV), sold only by EDF, remains available at any time. If you switch to a market offer and later change your mind, you can return to the regulated tariff for free, with no penalty.
