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Electricity & gas · France
Checked 2026-09-27

🔄 How do I switch electricity or gas supplier in France?

The short answer

Your supply does not stop when you switch: the cables, pipes and meter stay the same. Only the company that sends the bill changes.

📜 The rules in France

Switching supplier

You only sign a contract with the new supplier and agree a start date; your old contract ends automatically. Give your PDL/PRM (electricity) or PCE (gas) number. No fee may be charged for switching and there is no cut-off.

Official source: energie-info.fr · Checked 2026-09-27

The market

You can choose your electricity and gas supplier freely. Switching is free, there is no minimum contract period and you can switch as often as you like, including back to the regulated electricity tariff.

Official source: energie-info.fr · Checked 2026-09-27

Cooling-off period

For contracts signed at your door, by phone or online you have 14 days from signing to withdraw.

Official source: energie-info.fr · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

  1. Get your details readyTake your latest bill: meter point number, yearly use, and the end date and notice period of your contract.
  2. Compare offersUse the price comparison below and look at the total yearly cost, not only the price per kWh. Check how long the price is fixed.
  3. Sign with the new supplierIn most countries the new supplier arranges the switch, including notice to the old one. Keep the confirmation.
  4. Check the final billRead your meter on the switch date and compare it with the old supplier’s final bill. Any credit must be paid back.

📇 Who to contact

Comparateur d'offres d'électricité et de gaz naturel (énergie-info) officialCompare electricity and gas offersBefore you switch, or when your price goes up🔗 comparateur-offres.energie-info.fr/comparateur-offres-electricite-gaz-naturel/criteria.action?profil=particulier
Commission de régulation de l'énergie (CRE)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.cre.fr
Institut national de la consommation (INC)Independent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.inc-conso.fr

❓ Questions

Will I be without power when I switch?

No. The physical supply continues; only the contract changes.

Can my old supplier charge an exit fee?

That depends on your contract and on the rules in France shown on this page. Fees usually only apply to fixed-term, fixed-price contracts.

Can I cancel a new contract?

Contracts made at the door, by phone or online usually have a cooling-off period. The rules for France are on this page.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

📈Price increase→🧾Wrong or high bill→💸Can’t pay the bill→🏚️Supplier went bust→📣Complaint about a supplier→

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