Setting up utilities after buying a property in France (step-by-step)

When you complete (“signature chez le notaire”) and get the keys, the goal is simple: get the meters in your name, avoid any cut-offs, and make sure bills go to the right address/bank account.

Step 1 — Do a 10-minute “utilities audit” on key-handover day

Before you call anyone, collect this info (take photos on your phone):

Electricity

• Meter type: Linky (green digital) or older meter

• PRM / PDL number (14 digits): on Linky it’s shown as “PRM” when you scroll the display 

• Meter reading (index) if it’s not automatically transmitted

Gas (if present)

• Is it mains gas (gaz de ville) or bottled/cylinder / propane tank (GPL)?

• If mains gas: find the PCE number (often on previous bills) and take the meter reading.

Water

• Find the water meter location and take the reading (if you have access).

Internet

• Note whether you have:

  • a fibre socket (PTO), or

  • an old telephone line (ADSL/VDSL), or

  • neither (common in rural homes).

Step 2 — Electricity: open an account (you choose the supplier)

How it works in France

• You sign with a supplier (EDF, Engie, TotalEnergies, etc.).

• The supplier then triggers the network “mise en service” with Enedis (the electricity network operator for most of France).

• With Linky, activation is often remote and faster than older meters. Enedis confirms that moving into a Linky home requires subscribing to an electricity contract, after which the opening request is sent to them .

What to do (in order)

1. Choose a supplier and subscribe (online or by phone).

2. Give them:

   • property address

   • PRM/PDL

   • your move-in date

   • bank details (RIB/IBAN) for direct debit

3. The supplier arranges the meter opening with Enedis.

If the property is new or fully renovated

If there’s a brand-new connection or you’ve had major electrical works, you may need a CONSUEL certificate before first power-on (your electrician usually organises this). Some suppliers also highlight this for new-build first connections .

Step 3 — Water: subscribe with the local water service (not a national supplier)

Water in France is local (municipal “régie” or a delegated operator). Your mairie or the local water service is the starting point.

What to do

1. Identify the water provider for your commune

   • Ask the mairie, your notaire, the seller, or neighbours.

2. Request an opening / transfer (“mise en service” or “abonnement à l’eau”) in your name.

3. Provide:

   • property address

   • move-in date

   • water meter reading

   • your ID + bank details

   • sometimes a copy of the acte (or attestation of purchase)

Apartment vs house (important)

• Apartment with shared/collective meter: water is often included in building charges.

• House or individual meter: you usually need a direct subscription in your name (Engie’s moving guidance also points you back to the service des eaux de la commune) .

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If you have a dispute later

There is a formal Médiateur de l’eau process via Service-Public .

Step 4 — Gas: confirm whether you have mains gas or propane

A) If you have mains gas (gaz de ville)

As with electricity:

• You choose a supplier

• The network operator (often GRDF) performs the technical opening.

GRDF’s guidance for moving in confirms the process for getting gas turned on in a new home .

Steps

1. Subscribe with a gas supplier.

2. Provide the PCE number (if available), address, move-in date, and a meter reading.

3. If a technician visit is required, make sure someone can be present (GRDF also publishes guidance about appointments) .

B) If you have propane (tank/cylinder)

This is not GRDF. You’ll typically need to:

• identify the current tank owner/supplier (often stated in the sale paperwork),

• arrange a new contract (or tank removal if you don’t want it),

• and schedule deliveries.

Step 5 — Internet: check fibre/coverage first, then order

Internet availability varies hugely by address, so don’t guess.

The quickest way to check your address

Use ARCEP’s official tools:

• The “Ma Connexion Internet” tool and fibre deployment maps help you check whether fibre is available at your address 

• The Carte Fibre shows fibre coverage and, when zoomed in, can provide address-level detail .

Then do this

1. Check your address on ARCEP’s tools 

2. Choose a provider (Orange / Free / SFR / Bouygues etc.) and order online.

3. Be ready to provide:

   • exact address

   • apartment/building details (if applicable)

   • where the box should be installed

   • if fibre: whether a PTO already exists (if not, a technician appointment is normal)

If it’s a new build or major renovation

ARCEP also explains what to do for new or rehabilitated buildings and how to identify the operator responsible for fibre in the area via “Ma Connexion Internet” .

Step 6 — Timing: when to start each utility

A practical timeline that avoids stress:

• Electricity: start 7–14 days before move-in (earlier if the home has been empty).

• Gas: start 7–14 days before (earlier if a technician visit might be needed).

• Water: start as soon as you have the completion date (communes vary).

• Internet: start immediately after you have the keys (or earlier if the provider allows ordering with a confirmed move-in date).

Step 7 — If something goes wrong (who helps)

Energy (electricity/gas)

• If you have a billing/contract dispute and customer service doesn’t resolve it, France has the Médiateur national de l’énergie

• Their Energie-Info site also provides comparison tools .

Water

• Use the Médiateur de l’eau route if the service provider won’t resolve a dispute .