Upon your arrival in France, subscribing to essential services such as electricity and internet is a priority to ensure a smooth transition.
Subscribe to electricity: EDF, the benchmark, but not only
In France, EDF (Électricité de France) remains the incumbent electricity supplier, offering extensive coverage and proven reliability. However, several attractive, often more competitive, alternatives exist. The official government comparison tool allows you to compare offers based on your profile and specific needs.
Good news: if you already have a European bank account, SEPA direct debit is now accepted for subscriptions in France, simplifying your procedures.
Cost of electricity in France in 2024
In 2024, the average price of electricity for French households increased by 18%, reaching €280/MWh including tax , compared to €237/MWh including tax in 2023. This increase is mainly due to the gradual phasing out of the tariff shield, which had limited previous increases (Source: Sustainable Development Statistics ).
Electricity production in France: a majority from nuclear sources and a growing share from renewable energies
France stands out for its largely decarbonized electricity production. In 2024, approximately 65% of the electricity produced came from nuclear power, making the country one of the world leaders in nuclear electricity production per capita (Source: RTE ).
Furthermore, the share of renewable energy in electricity production reached 27.6% in 2024, with a record production of 148 TWh . This performance marks a turning point for the national energy mix, in a context where France seeks to reconcile climate urgency, energy independence and economic stability ( FNCCR | Public Network Services ).
Subscribing to the Internet: the best options
For internet access, several providers offer plans tailored to expatriates. Orange is often recommended for the quality of its customer service, but other alternatives such as Bouygues Telecom , Free , and their low-cost options may also suit your needs and budget.
Sofime's advice: we'll manage it for you
At Sofime, we understand the challenges of settling in France. That's why we take care of all the administrative procedures for you: setting up electricity and internet services, opening a bank account, and more. Our goal is to allow you to focus on settling in and integrating, without worrying about the paperwork.
