Presented as a tool allowing households to better manage their electricity consumption, the Linky meter also planned to contribute to the modernization of the French electricity network, while offering consumers better management of their bills. A report from the Court of Auditors reveals a more nuanced reality, and not necessarily in favor of customers.
Linky meters are good, especially for Enedis
The installation of Linky meters has allowed Enedis to achieve substantial savings, mainly in two areas: meter reading and technical interventions. The automated reading of green boxes has eliminated the need for regular physical visits, thereby considerably reducing the associated costs. As a result, the last holdouts for Linky will have to pay more this year. In addition, the remote management of technical operations, such as commissioning or cutting off electricity, has reduced field interventions, lowering logistical and operational costs. Good news, which should logically have been reflected in the consumer's final bill.
Despite the savings made by Enedis, consumers have not seen a significant drop in their electricity bills. Several factors explain this situation: a large part of the savings made has been reinvested in improving the electricity network, in particular to support the energy transition and integrate more renewable energies, explains Enedis. Another part has been used to: offset the increases in the price of electricity, by cushioning the network manager's profit losses. In addition, the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) allows for overall price smoothing, without any major direct impact on network customers.
We'll have to wait
While the findings are the same as at the beginning of the year, and at the end of last year, Enedis and the Court of Auditors nevertheless emphasize that the deployment of Linky meters represents a long-term investment. The benefits for consumers, particularly in terms of optimized management of their consumption and participation in the energy transition, should gradually materialize in a drop in prices. In the meantime, we must be patient. March 2025 will once again be synonymous with an increase in energy prices, and it is now that consumers were hoping for a reduction in their rates. The fact remains that the Linky meter installation campaign is a success, with 37.2 million green boxes installed in France, for total coverage estimated at 94% of households.
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