Millions eligible for EDF refunds

MILLIONS of French electricity customers could be eligible for a refund from EDF dating back up to five years, after the supplier was criticised for failing to pay back overpaid bills.

Until now, when a customer moved house or changed supplier, EDF's policy was to not pay back any overpaid sums if they amounted to less than €15.24 (100 francs).

Customers would have to ask for the refund themselves in writing, and often wait months for a response.

France's energy watchdog received 17,500 complaints last year about the practice. It has now ordered EDF to systematically pay customers back, no matter how small the amount.

Although the amounts in each case are relatively small, Le Parisien believes the policy has helped boost EDF's profits by between €5m and €10m a year.

Customers who have ended an EDF contract within the past five years are encouraged to check their final bills and see if they are eligible to claim money back.

The Médiateur de l'Energie, Denis Merville, told Le Parisien: "The problem is a lot of consumers are not aware that they are owed money. Worse still, those who are aware and send a letter to EDF often receive a reply with all sorts of reasons why they will not refund it."

Parliament passed a law last December making it a legal requirement for energy suppliers to pay back all overpaid sums. Gas supplier GDF Suez has been criticised for the practice in the past but the energy regulator said in its report this year that the company had improved.