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Electricity & gas · France
Checked 2026-09-30

🩺 I depend on medical equipment or I am vulnerable: is there extra protection in France?

The short answer

People who rely on electrically powered medical equipment, older people and people on a low income often get extra protection. You usually have to register or tell your supplier and grid operator.

📜 The rules in France

Vulnerable and medical customers

People on home life-support equipment can be registered as 'patient à haut risque vital' (PHRV). Your doctor fills in the forms, the regional health agency (ARS) approves, and Enedis then contacts you before planned power cuts. It does not stop cuts.

  • The doctor completes CERFA forms 10401-02 and 10402-02, which you send by post to your ARS. Registration must be renewed every year. (enedis.fr)
  • Registered patients get a priority phone number to ask how long a cut will last and to update their address or phone number. Keep a backup plan for your equipment. (enedis.fr)
Agence régionale de santé (ARS)Checks the medical file and registers you as PHRV with Enedis🔗 ars.sante.fr
Official source: enedis.fr · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

  1. Check who counts as vulnerableSee below who is protected in France and what the protection covers.
  2. Register or inform your supplierAsk your supplier and grid operator how to register. A doctor's certificate may be needed.
  3. Plan for a power cutProtection against cut-offs for debt does not stop faults. Keep a backup plan for your equipment.
  4. Keep your details up to dateTell your supplier when your situation changes, and renew any certificate in time.

📇 Who to contact

Agence régionale de santé (ARS)Checks the medical file and registers you as PHRV with Enedis🔗 www.ars.sante.fr
Chèque énergieDiscount or support scheme for energy costsIf you have a low income or receive benefits🔗 chequeenergie.gouv.fr
Médiateur national de l'énergieSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 0 800 112 212🔗 www.energie-mediateur.fr
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

❓ Questions

Can I be cut off for debt if I am registered?

Many countries forbid or limit cut-offs for protected customers. The rules for France are on this page.

Will I be warned before planned works?

Registered customers are often told about planned interruptions in advance. Ask your grid operator.

Is there help with the costs?

Many countries have a social tariff or support scheme. Ask your supplier and your municipality.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-30

🧭 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

💸Can’t pay the bill→🤝Help with energy costs→🔌Power cut→🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→

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