Linky faces court challenge from 300 in Bordeaux

Lawyer Pierre Hurmic, who is leading the case to be heard in Bor­deaux in September, said: “The key argument is whether Enedis can impose them on people without a choice.

“Most households have perfectly good, modern electricity meters which work but are told by Enedis they have to have these new meters whether they like it or not and, as electricity consumers, pay to do so.”

The Linky meters have drawn opposition from various sources. Some say the meters, which end the need for a physical reading, collect too much private information, and transmit it to Enedis. Others say electro-magnetic radiation from transmission interferes with sleep, causing health problems.

Mr Hurmic said: “Legally, I see the challenge on the grounds of people not having a choice, being the best solution.

“We are asking for an emergency interdict which is risky as it forces the court to make a decision, but if we do not the courts will put it back in order to get more information, and it will drag on for years.”

Bordeaux Green councillor Mr Hurmic says Linky, which Enedis says lets it adjust supply to meet demand, does not give useful information to consumers such as in Euros or kW/hr.

“Using Linky it will be impossible to get a clear picture of how much this or that appliance costs to run. The meter has all that data but the consumer is not allowed to look at it, only Enedis. It is an immense waste of what could be a good opportunity to drastically reduce consumption in France.”

Having 300 complainants to the case means each will pay €49 to be involved and he said most saw it a worthwhile risk.

Enedis has been asked for a comment on the case.

Recent Linky protests have seen a 300-strong human chain in an Isère village while in Bor­deaux hundreds of bright Linky green shoe-boxes were built into a wall then kicked down.