🔌 Can I refuse the Linky meter?

With conditions

Quick answer

You can refuse access, but with no real right to object — and a surcharge. Installing the Linky meter is mandatory under the Energy Code (transposing an EU directive on smart meters). Refusing isn't an offence: no fine is provided. In practice you can refuse access to your old meter if it's on private property, as Enedis can't enter without consent. But the Cour de cassation, on 9 April 2025, confirmed a refusal can't defeat Enedis's public-service mission. And without Linky a reading surcharge applies: in 2026, up to €63.74 excl. tax/year if you send no reading.

📋 The rules

Linky installation mandatory (Energy Code / EU directive)
Refusing is not an offence — no fine
You can refuse access if the meter is on private property
Cass. 9 April 2025: refusal doesn't defeat Enedis's mission
Without Linky: reading surcharge (up to €63.74 excl. tax/year in 2026)

🔓 Exceptions

Meter outside private property (landing, boundary): Enedis can act
Reduced surcharge (€38.90 excl. tax/year) if you send at least one reading a year
No power cut can be justified by the Linky refusal alone

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Refusing Linky brings no criminal sanction or fine. The only consequence is financial: since the reading is no longer automatic, a surcharge is billed — in 2026, €38.90 excl. tax/year if you send at least one reading, and €63.74 excl. tax/year if you send none for over 12 months. Enedis can't cut your electricity solely for the refusal, but also can't be lastingly prevented from carrying out its mission.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Can you refuse the Linky meter?

Refusing isn't an offence and brings no fine. You can refuse access to your old meter if it's on private property. But the Cour de cassation confirmed in April 2025 that a refusal can't defeat Enedis's mission.

Is there a fine if I refuse?

No. No text provides a criminal sanction or fine for refusing Linky. The only consequence is financial: a surcharge for the manual reading of your consumption.

What's the surcharge without Linky in 2026?

In 2026, the surcharge is €38.90 excl. tax/year if you send at least one reading a year, rising to €63.74 excl. tax/year in total if you send none for over 12 months.

Can Enedis force-install Linky?

Not in your home without consent if the meter is on private property: Enedis can't enter your home without authorisation. But if the meter is accessible (landing, boundary box), it can act.

Can my electricity be cut off?

No, the Linky refusal alone doesn't justify a power cut. But case law stresses that the refusal can't lastingly prevent Enedis from carrying out its grid-modernisation mission.

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