There are multiple good reasons to move the electricity meter from its housing. For a good handyman, the temptation is great to undertake this work himself, because it is a relatively simple operation. But it’s definitively out of reach of individuals and even most professionalsas competent as they are!
In this article, you will find all the reasons for this ban and the procedures to follow to carry out this project legally and quickly.
The reasons for moving an electric meter
The most commonly cited motivation for moving the electric meter is related to thelayout or at the renovation from the premises. Indeed, the meter can be on a partition intended to disappear, in a place transformed into a humid room unfit to receive it, at the location of a new opening, in the middle of a living room, etc.
Another common cause is a emplacement original unsuitable (kitchen, bedroom, bathroom wall, facing the front door, etc.).
The aesthetic reasons also justify this type of decision. Sometimes, however, the installation of a simple box constitutes a solution economic to hide in good conditions this not very decorative equipment.
Owner or tenant, who can file the request to move the electric meter?
The law stipulates that the lessor cannot oppose the adjustments made by the tenant, in the accommodation he occupies, at the condition that the works do not transform the equipment in place. In case of conversion not expressly authorized by him, the lessor is perfectly entitled to impose, at any time, the restoration of the premises to its original state or to claim compensation at the end of the lease. This situation is a defensible lease termination clause in court.
The relocation of the electricity meter falls within the category of work subject to written authorization of the lessor who has no obligation to accept it, organize it or bear the costs.
Why can’t you move an electric meter by yourself?
In France, the electricity meter is the last element of the public electricity distribution circuit. Often wrongly referred to as the “EDF” meter, it is unseizable property of municipalities or communities of municipalities (Article L322-4 of the energy code), even if they have delegated their powers to a concessionary body. The management of the national electricity distribution network is ensured, for 95% by Enedis (formerly ERDF), a public limited company with a supervisory board wholly owned by EDF and 5% by local distribution companies (ELD), having refused the nationalization of 1947. To this title, Enedis where the ELD hold the monopoly all technical interventions on medium and low voltage public networks, below 50 kV, including:
- the transmission of electricity to the limit of the private installation, which starts after the counter,
- modernization, maintenance,maintenance and operation from the public network,
- the pose and the interventions techniques concerning counters,
- the connection and commissioning to users,
So only the company Enedisthem ELD where the mandated companies by them, are legally allowed to move your meter, in accordance with the standard NFC 14-100.
Steps prior to moving an electricity meter
The opening to competition of the market in the supply of energy, which began in the early 2000s, is today effective for the whole population, throughout the national territory. Everyone freely chooses their electricity supplier, becoming both a customer of one of the 39 French energy suppliers (EDF, Engie, total, Eni, etc.) and of Enédis (or the local ELD) , in charge of meter replacement work.
Logically, the request should therefore be filed directly with Enédis (or the ELD), but the electricity supplier can also take care of the procedures for you. In either case, it is necessary to complete a specific file accompanied by proof of use.
Submission of the request to move the meter to the electricity supplier
Most electricity suppliers agree to receive the request by phone, by e-mail or on line. They then send you the documents in the file, take care of presenting it to Enédis (or the ELD) and ensure follow-up.
This solution is often preferable for the user, because the energy suppliers know the procedures perfectly and are in constant contact with the network manager, which can significantly speed up the process.
Submission of the request to move the meter to Enedis
Enédis does not communicate no email address, but can still be reached by phone, mail, Messenger or Twitter. You will also find a contact form, a virtual chat and many other details, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on its website.
To obtain the file online, follow the following procedure:
- log on to the site “enedis.fr”then on the customer account (To default create one),
- in the customer account, select “Modifying an existing connection“,
- then follow the drop-down procedure.
Submission of the request to move the meter to an ELD
France has approximately 150 ELDs, responsible for managing the local public energy distribution network. Unlike Enédis, their mission is not limited to network management alone. They can also sell electricity. For this activity, they are no longer, theoretically, in a monopoly situation and are subject to competition. Two options are then possible:
- The ELD is also your energy supplier: you must, imperatively, contact it to know its particular process of moving the electricity meter.
- You have chosen an alternative electricity supplier: You have, again, the choice between 2 solutions:
- forward your file through its services,
- contact the ELD in charge of the works, to put together the file directly, under its supervision.
In practice, alternative offer electricity supply is poorly developed in the regions managed by the LDCs, due to the costs generated by the disparity between the administrative and communication systems of each party.
Progress of work, deadlines and costs related to meter relocation
Upon receipt of the duly completed file and its annexes, Enédis or the ELD have 10 working days to study it. A final cost estimate, including the sequence of operations, is then submitted to the user by post. This document, valid for 3 months, from the date of receipt, must be returned, for approval, signed and accompanied by the required deposit.
The amount and duration of the work vary according to the difficulties of the site.
Note that the transfer of a meter to the outside of the building is always possible, but may lead to delays and greater costs.
Ancillary works to the relocation of the electricity meter
The entire network located downstream of the electricity meter is in the private domain. The contracting authority therefore assumes the technical costs and the financing. You can at leisure, do this work yourselfor entrust them to a professional of your choice. In either case, they must comply with the NFC 15-100 standard, relating to building electricity rules. Depending on the extent of the modifications, an administrative check may be required before connecting the energy to the network.