Compulsory implementation of Linky meters for those resisting the change
Get Ready for the Linky Fee, French Households!
Starting August 1st, homeowners in France who haven't embraced the Linky smart meter might face an extra financial burden. Nearly 2 million households are still resisting, and they've received a warning from Enedis about additional charges.
Critics of this device argue that while its benefits like accurate billing and quick fault detection appeal to some, others fear potential harmful effects from electromagnetic waves. However, these arguments seem to fall on deaf ears, as 95% of French households have already installed the Linky meter[1].
Ready to grip your wallets tighter? Since last year, "reading fees" have been lurking for those who keep defying installation. But until now, homes that submit their consumption index once a year enjoyed a transitional reprieve. That grace period is about to expire, folks!
This tough love policy always offers a silver lining, right? Well, according to the Energy Regulation Commission (CRE), the fee works out to be 6.48 euros per two months, excluding taxes. For those who've been MIA for over a year, an extra 4.14 euros every two months strikes back, adding up to a whopping 63.72 euros per year[2]. Brace yourself for the biting bite!
The Cour de cassation backed this move after a dispute with Enedis in 2021, citing the necessity for EU member states to implement an intelligent electricity metering system[1]. Here's the catch: if the Linky installation is impossible due to technical reasons, you might just dodge this bullet, but those cases are considered... well, "rare"[2].
So, French folks, put on your big-boy pants, because it's time to take one for the team and welcome the Linky meter with open arms. Or risk getting hit with this hefty surcharge!
Wanna beat the bill a bit? Check out this nifty app to lower your electricity bill[1]. Who knew fiscal responsibility could be so fun?
[1] Enrichment Data: Electricity, Enedis [2] Enrichment Data: This surcharge is essentially a penalty or cost-recovery measure for extra costs incurred by energy providers to service customers who do not transition to the new smart meter technology, accelerating the nationwide rollout of Linky meters and promoting energy efficiency.
- Some households, despite the presence of informative resources about the benefits of the Linky smart meter such as accurate billing, quick fault detection, and reduced energy waste on channels like TF1, continue to protest its installation due to concerns about electromagnetic waves and taxes.
- The label 'cooktops that run on electricity' could be a target for energy-efficient renovations, considering households that have embraced the Linky smart meter may find it easier to monitor and control their energy consumption and potentially lower their electricity bills.
- As the embrace of the Linky smart meter becomes more prevalent among French households, it's crucial to demonstrate tolerance and patience with those who are resistant, encouraging open dialogue about any concerns related to the smart meter and sportsmanship in handling the policy changes.
