Linky Meter Refusers Face Additional Charges, Impacting Millions
Paris, France – August 5, 2025 – A recent report from Presse-Citron reveals that individuals who continue to refuse the installation of the Linky smart electricity meter in France are now facing additional charges. This development affects an estimated 1.7 million households across the country that have opted out of the widespread meter replacement program.
The introduction of the Linky smart meter, managed by Enedis, the electricity distribution network operator, has been a significant undertaking for French households. While the majority of the population has transitioned to the new meters, a substantial segment of consumers has expressed reservations, leading to their continued use of older, traditional meters.
According to the Presse-Citron article, the new fees are intended to cover the costs associated with maintaining the existing infrastructure for those who have not adopted the Linky system. These costs are said to encompass the ongoing technical management, reading, and maintenance of the legacy meters. Enedis has indicated that these additional charges will be implemented to ensure a fair distribution of the expenses related to managing a dual system of metering technologies.
The decision to impose these fees on Linky refusers comes after a period of significant rollout and public awareness campaigns regarding the benefits of the smart meter. These benefits often cited include more accurate billing, remote monitoring capabilities, and the potential for optimized energy consumption. However, concerns have been raised by some consumer groups and individuals regarding data privacy, potential health impacts of electromagnetic waves, and the overall cost of the project.
For the approximately 1.7 million households still using traditional meters, this announcement signifies a potential increase in their electricity bills. The exact amount of these additional charges has not been fully detailed in the Presse-Citron report, but it is understood that these will be levied to offset the operational expenses incurred by Enedis for their non-compliance with the mandated meter replacement.
This situation highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the Linky meter rollout in France. While the government and Enedis aim for a complete and efficient transition to smart grids, a segment of the population remains hesitant. The introduction of these new charges may prompt further consideration for those who have resisted the change, potentially influencing their future decisions regarding the Linky meter. Consumers are advised to consult official communications from Enedis for precise details on the new fee structure and to understand their options moving forward.
Compteur Linky : les réfractaires vont devoir payer plus !
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Presse-Citron published ‘Compteur Linky : les réfractaires vont devoir payer plus !’ at 2025-08-05 07:24. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.