Since its launch in 2015, the Linky meter has continued to spark controversy. If the vast majority of French people are now equipped with it, there are still a few households that refuse to install it. Considering the device to be intrusive or even dangerous, these people are campaigning against Enedis’ desire to impose this new generation meter in all homes.
In March 2022, several anti-Linky even came together in a collective to file a complaint against Enedis in the hope of not being forced to undergo the installation of this box in their home. One of their main concerns is the use of waves to send user data which they believe poses a danger to humans.
Faced with these accusations, Enedis wanted to reassure consumers. With France 3 Bourgogne Franche-Comté, the company explained that the waves were not powerful enough to “injure” human beings. “It is a reliable technology, used for 50 years by millions of people around the world,” argued the EDF subsidiary. “Linky’s electric field is identical to that of the old meter, i.e. between 0.25 V/m and 2 V/m. According to the National Frequency Agency (ANFR), it is well below the limit regulation (87V/m).”
Despite everything, some French people refuse the installation of the Linky meter. However, since January 1, 2023, these people are subject to new fees of 8.30 euros every two months, or 49.80 euros excluding tax per year. Fortunately, there is currently a way to avoid paying this amount. Here’s how.
Since January 1, 2023, Enedis has been billing refractories at the Linky meter. However, there is a simple way to be exempt from these additional costs of 8.30 euros every two months.
Indeed, it suffices to carry out and communicate “at least once a year to Enedis a self-reading of your consumption from your old generation meter”, specifies the Public Service website. However, this solution is only temporary and will no longer be valid from a certain date.
By carrying out the meter reading yourself, it is therefore possible for the moment to avoid the additional costs linked to the readings carried out by Enedis. However, from January 2025, this will no longer be enough.
“If in January 2025, you are still not equipped with a Linky meter, know that you will no longer benefit from free access, whether or not you carry out self-readings”, explains the Public Service website. On the other hand, it is specified that people who cannot equip themselves with a new generation meter for technical reasons will always be exempt.