How to switch to a new energy supplier in France?
Switching energy suppliers in France is easier than you might think — and it could save you money. Since the French energy market is fully open to competition, all consumers are free to choose their electricity or gas supplier at any time, with no interruption in service and no switching fees. To switch, all you need to do is contact the new desired provider and sign up. Your new provider will cancel your previous subscription. All the details below.
How to switch energy supplier in France?
France has a fully liberalised energy market. You can change electricity or gas providers at any time, without interruption to your supply and without any charge. To switch energy supplier in France, simply choose a new provider and sign up with them. They’ll handle the cancellation of your old contract for you. Find the detailed steps below.
Step 1: compare the providers
The first step is to compare available offers to find the one that best suits your needs—whether you're looking for the lowest price, green energy, or better customer service. For this step, you can be guided by an English-speaking advisor at Selectra. Our team will help you compare and will take care of the switchover process, free of charge, as well as answer any questions you have regarding your new provider. To get help from Selectra's advisors, simply call 01 86 26 53 46 (at no extra cost).
Step 2: prepare your documents
You will be able to change your provider in just one phone call. But make sure you gather the following information, which the advisor will request from you during the call:
- Your complete address, with your floor or apartment number if applicable.
- A recent electricity or gas bill, on which you will find your meter number or site ID.
- A recent meter reading.
- Your banking details, if you wish to pay your bills via direct debit (beware that many suppliers only accept French IBANs).
Step 3: sign up
Once you’ve made your choice, signing up is quick and hassle-free. If you do it through Selectra, your advisor will sort it for you. If not, you can simply sign up by getting in touch with your desired provider, either by phone or via their website.
Either way, the new supplier will handle the cancellation of your previous contract, and the switch will be completed without any interruption to your energy supply. Best of all, switching is entirely free and can be done at any time. The only exception is if you're moving into a new home, in which case, you'll need to cancel your old contract yourself.
Why switch supplier in France?
Since 2007, the energy market is open to competition across 95% of the French territory, meaning historical suppliers such as EDF are put in rivalry nationwide against new - and often cheaper - actors.
Because of this, not only do you have more options when it comes to choosing your French gas or electricity provider, but you can also subscribe and unsubscribe to energy plans as you please. In most cases, switching suppliers means accessing a cheaper contract, and that can lead to real savings on your energy bills.
Note that you will always be able to go back to EDF and its regulated tariffs at any given time if you wish to do so.
Changing French energy providers can save you lots of money
One major reason to change your supplier is to save money on your energy bills. Indeed, while EDF remains the largest and most popular provider across the French territory, it should be noted that its regulated tariffs are among the highest on the market. You can find cheaper by comparing and switching. Here are a few examples of cheaper electricity plans currently available on the market:
| Offer | Monthly Cost | Score | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
FIXE -20% |
Your montly price 93.08 € You save 15.08 € |
|
Souscrire en ligne
|
EXTRA ECO |
Your montly price 98.92 € You save 9.33 € |
|
Souscrire en ligne
|
ONLINE & GREEN |
Your montly price 99.92 € You save 8.33 € |
|
Souscrire en ligne
|
Comparison based on an estimated annual consumption of 5,700 kWh and a 6 kVA power rating in Toulouse. Learn more about the Selectra Score. The means that the provider is Selectra's partner.
Changing French energy providers can be a way of investing in green energy
If environment preservation matters to you, a small and simple way of playing your part is to switch to a greener energy contract, that are more affordable than what one may imagine.
In France, many providers have "Electricité Verte" offers, which are very often great value and cheaper than the regulated tariffs, often offering you a discount on the price of each kWh compared to regulated tariffs.
| Offer | Monthly Cost | Score | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ONLINE & GREEN |
Your montly price 99.92 € You save 8.33 € |
|
Souscrire en ligne
|
NOVAFIXE ÉLEC |
Your montly price 100.58 € You save 7.58 € |
|
|
ÉLECTRICITÉ 100% RENOUVELABLE BY EKWATEUR |
Your montly price 100.67 € You save 7.5 € |
|
Comparison based on an estimated annual consumption of 5,700 kWh and a 6 kVA power rating in Toulouse. Learn more about the Selectra Score. The means that the provider is Selectra's partner.
Please note:
When you opt for such an offer, you still receive the same electricity as before, but your supplier commits itself to investing in an equivalent amount of renewable energy in return (solar energy, hydraulic energy...).
Changing French energy providers can provide you with a better customer service
Last but not least: customer service, which is often overlooked but should be an important element in your decision.
Indeed, you may also want to consider opting for a provider with a better customer service, if you are unsatisfied with the support given by your current provider.
Which new gas or electricity should you choose?
There are currently 26 electricity suppliers and 16 gas suppliers in France.
With so many options available on the French energy market, choosing the right gas or electricity supplier can feel overwhelming. But by focusing on a few key criteria, you can quickly identify the offer that best fits your needs and budget. Below are the elements you need to look out for:
- The price per kWh and any fixed subscription price
- Whether the rate is fixed or variable (fixed rates offer stability, while variable rates can follow market trends)
- Green or renewable energy options if you're looking to reduce your environmental impact
- Customer reviews and the supplier’s reputation for service and reliability
- Availability of English-speaking customer support, especially if you’re not fluent in French
- Any welcome bonuses or promotional offers that can make the deal even more attractive
To make your decision easier, use Selectra’s free comparison tool (in French). It gathers all this information in one place and helps you choose the provider matching your needs and budget in just a few clicks.
