In old houses, it is common for old meters that are no longer up to standard to remain, especially if no renovation work has been undertaken. This requires replacement as the equipment may simply fail. There could be many reasons for changing it. How to proceed?
With the arrival of the new generation electronic meter of the Linky type, which should really be deployed during 2015, we can think that many French people will want this ultramodern device at home, since it records actual consumption and no longer an estimate. Unfortunately, swapping your old, still functional meter for a new one is far from an easy undertaking.
Indeed, EDF only performs this operation free of charge with rare exceptions such as, for example, the replacement of a meter when a change in power is mandatory, or when the customer opts for another package. However, this is not the case for a change of supplier.
First, a distinction should be made between EDF (Electricité de France) and ERDF (Electricité Réseau Distribution France). Indeed, while the former is one supplier among others (Lampiris, Direct Energie, GDF Suez, etc.), its subsidiary ERDF is responsible for maintaining and managing the network. Thus, the request for meter replacement must be sent to your electricity supplier who will then send your file to ERDF. In addition, change or move, it is important to emphasize that only ERDF technicians can work on an electricity meter. This responsibility cannot therefore be entrusted to electricians.
Three months of waiting are to be expected before EDF responds to your request. Once your file has been taken into account, your situation will be meticulously studied if the change of your meter is really necessary. And in case you get a favorable opinion, things will go faster. After validation of ERDF's service proposal, a technician will be with you for ten days following the agreement obtained.
Only replacements of defective electricity meters are fully covered by Electricité de France. Caution is advised, however, because old models, but still in good working order, are not affected. Therefore, if you want to swap your old equipment for a modern one, you will pay for the intervention out of your pocket. Ditto for the installation of the meter linked to a tariff changeover, to a switch from single-phase to three-phase electrical installations, or vice versa, and to changes in the power of the equipment. The flat rate is, to date, 48 euros.
No need to rush and pay for the change of meter, unless there is a malfunction or danger in sight, because by 2021, 35 million French households will be equipped with it, with deployment starting in the next few months. And the installation of this new meter will be free, according to ERDF, which intends to finance the operation by the savings that Linky will allow due to the virtual disappearance of interventions and meter readings as well as by the reduction in fraud!
