Energy Bills

From 1 Apr. 2023

Unpaid power bill: Power reduction for at least 60 days before outage

Publié le null - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)

Since 1er in april 2023, power suppliers may only make power cuts for unpaid electricity after a period of power reduction of at least 60 days for some households. All the information you need to know with Service-Public.fr.

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Did you not pay your electricity bill after the 30-day extension? As of 1er April 2023, if you receive the energy check or support from the Solidarity Fund for Housing (FSL) and you are equipped with a Linky meter, your energy supplier will only be able to interrupt the supply of electricity after a period of power reduction of at least 60 days.

In a context of very high inflation, a 15% increase in electricity and gas bills since the beginning of 2023, some households are struggling to pay their bills.

A decree implementing the law of 16 August 2022 on emergency measures for the protection of purchasing power published on 26 February in Official Journal strengthens the protection of certain consumers in the event of unpaid energy bills.

60-day period of power reduction before shutdown

The decree of 24 February 2023 sets a minimum period of 60 days of power reduction up to 1 kVA (kilovolt-ampere), prior to shutdown or termination, for households receiving an energy check or Solidarity Fund for Housing (FSL) assistance equipped with a communicating meter, in case of unpaid.

This minimum supply of 1 kVA makes it possible to maintain certain essential uses of electricity: lighting, operation of household appliances (fridge, freezer, etc.), recharging of electronic appliances.

During this 60-day power reduction period, your electricity supplier will need to contact you at least twice, including once in writing and once orally, to reach an agreement on the payment of the invoice. If no response or agreement is reached, the supplier may shut off electricity or terminate your contract, provided that you are informed at least 20 days in advance by mail.

FYI  

In the event of an unpaid invoice, beneficiaries of the energy check shall also benefit from:

  • an 80 % discount on the billing for the travel of a technician due to an interruption in the supply of energy due to a non-payment (reduction in power or suspension of supply);
  • non-reduction of power during the winter break;
  • free entry into service and intervention for power reduction within the minimum period of electricity supply;
  • the registration of their electricity or natural gas supply contract.

Please note

During the winter truce, on the 1er from November to March 31, electricity and gas cuts are prohibited (if you are at EDF, your electricity is maintained throughout the year). Indeed, EDF has replaced the power cuts in the event of unpaid bills with a power limit of 1 kVA since 1er April 2022.

Procedure for other clients to settle outstanding claims

Beneficiaries of the energy check or of assistance from the Solidarity Fund for Housing (FSL) but not equipped with a Linky meter shall always be subject to the measures provided for in decree of 13 august 2008. For details of the arrangements for beneficiaries of the energy check or of an FSL aid, see the sheet " Unpaid bills (gas or electricity, water): what are the consequences? ”.

If you do not benefit from the energy check or FSL assistance, this is the general case. For more information, see the fact sheet " Unpaid bills (gas or electricity, water): what are the consequences? ”.

FYI  

According to the Energy Ombudsman, 785 096 interventions for unpaid invoices Energy (electricity and natural gas supply suspensions and electricity power limitations) occurred in 2021, an increase of almost 17% compared to 2019.

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