top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Linky boss admits errors were made

JUST over two million Linky smart electricity meters have been installed since the start of the roll-out in 2015 with the aim of having 35m of the lime-green meters fitted by 2021.

This comes after attacks from householders and councils over effectiveness, cost, safety and wireless radiation and meters’ sec­urity against internet attack.
Now, however, the man heading the installation programme admits mistakes were made.

Bernard Lassus, of Enedis (formerly ERDF) which runs the national grid, said the state agency had not done enough to let users know the purpose and benefits of Linky.
In trying to catch up on other European countries which had been using them for years, it had decided on a rapid, single introduction which consumers felt was too big a step, especially without the benefits having been properly spelled out and more so because they had not been given a say.

Similarly people were worried about radiation but had no worries over Wifi, which they had set up themselves, and it seemed part of the problem was because an outsider was doing the work.
Speaking at European Utility Week in Barcelona, he said that about 150 communes out of 36,000 had refused to allow the meters to be installed and that between 1 and 2% of consumers also rejected installation.
Over time people seemed to be more accepting of the technology but he said Enedis still had a job to explain the benefits of knowing their power consumption and to give reassurance about the use made
of their consumption data.

Meanwhile, Montferrand-du-Périgord in Dordogne has lost a bid to ban Linky, due to an administrative mistake.

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France