Household Bills in France

Keeping on top of household bills becomes second nature when you’ve lived in the same place for a long time. You know what bills to expect and when, and how to pay them. You know how to switch suppliers, cancel contracts, change insurers, and who to call for technical assistance or to query an invoice. These are things you’ll soon find out when you start living in France, but here are a few tips to get you off to a flying start.

Check out the options before setting up your utlilties accounts
Most utility companies offer alternative payment methods, schedules and tariffs. Paying by direct debit (prélèvement) is the norm in France, but there are other options. You may also have a choice between monthly or quarterly billing. It’s worth spending a little time finding out what your options are, before agreeing to the method your supplier initially proposes.

Go online
Details of the various payment options can be found online. Utility companies’ websites are generally user-friendly and offer a wide range of customer services. Once you have set up your ‘espace client’ you can check your bills, submit meter reading, ask questions, change your payment method, update your personal details, opt for paper-free billing, and so on.

Switching providers/cancelling services
France has a limited choice of energy suppliers, so you are unlikely to do much chopping and changing. However, you may find more competition between broadband (adsl) providers.

If you wish to cancel a service, be aware that each company lays down formal procedures which you must follow. Simply writing a letter, as you would in the UK, rarely suffices. Many providers require you to complete a ‘formulaire de résiliation’, which can be downloaded from their website.

Changing insurers
Unlike in the UK, if you ignore renewal notices your policy will not simply lapse. Unless you have followed the correct procedures, as specified in the policy’s terms and conditions, the insurers will legitimately continue to pursue you for premiums. So if you are thinking of switching, make sure you know when and how to cancel your existing policy.

English-speaking helplines
Utility companies with English-speaking helplines include France Telecom (09 69 36 39 00) and electricity supplier EDF (05 56 17 40 70 or email: simpleenergywithedf@edf.fr).

Whenever you send an important document to a supplier by mail, such as a letter cancelling or modifying a service, you should always use registered post, which gives you proof of delivery (Accusé de Réception or AR). Every French person knows instinctively to do this. If any dispute arises, the first thing you will be expected to provide is evidence of the date your letter was received. Forewarned is forearmed!