How to switch electricity, gas, phone or internet supplier in France

Regularly switching suppliers is less common in France than it is in the UK, perhaps due to the historic monopoly of state-owned giants like Edf.

But it is possible and in good news, the process is now much easier and quicker than it used to be, when registered letters (written in perfect formal French, naturally) were required.

Here’s what you need to do.

Electricity or gas supplier

Three steps to a new supplier…

One: compare offers. Before you start, find out how much electricity or gas you use annually (you’ll find it on your latest bill) and compare available offers. 

The energy ombudsman’s comparison tool at energie-info.fr is useful for this – it also shows you what to look for on your bill. Other price comparison websites are available.

Two: sign up online or by phone. Subscribe to a new plan with your chosen provider, who will then take care of the whole boring process of cancelling your old contract for you. 

It takes about 15 minutes by phone, or a few clicks and suchlike online. Be sure to have a recent electricity or gas bill and your bank details with you. And an up-to-date meter reading.

Three: Wait for your new supplier to take over. On the transfer date agreed, your contract with your new provider will take effect, while your old one will be terminated. You can expect to receive a final bill from your old supplier within four weeks.

Does it cost anything? No – beyond settling your final bill with your old supplier. 

Be aware, too, that you have the right to change your mind before the new supplier takes over – or at any time afterwards.

Internet and mobile phone

The process for switching internet and / or mobile phone suppliers is about as straightforward as switching electricity or gas suppliers – though it might prove slightly more involved if you have a bundle deal including TV, internet and mobile phone.

But you can – as you should – carry your phone number (mobile and / or landline) with you.

Before switching to a new provider, understand the terms and conditions of the plan you wish to subscribe to (base price, applicable discounts, contract length, included and excluded calls and texts, etc.). It’s helpful to consult the providers’ support websites, the general and specific terms and conditions, and the applicable price list to ensure the new plan meets your needs. 

You will need an Relevé d’Identité Opérateur (RIO). This is a 12-character code comprising numbers and letters. 

You can get this by telephoning 3179, by logging into your customer account, or by contacting the customer service of your existing operator. They should also tell you of any important contract dates you may need to know. 

Note, if you have had your phone for less than three months, this process may incur a fee, which will be listed in the pricing guide applicable to your plan. Unlocking is always free after the sixth month of your contract.

Once you have your RIO, you can then sign up with a new operator

They will then take the following steps:

• Cancel your old subscription with the previous operator on your behalf;
• Port your existing phone number over to their service;
• Activate your subscription.

Be aware, if you are still in a commitment period, you will have a termination fee to pay.

In September 2026, consumer watchdog UFC Que Choisir published this comparison of various internet offers from the usual suspects in France. And this one for mobile phone operators.

Other comparison sites, such as jechange – which covers telecom, energy suppliers, finances and insurance – are available.

As is standard in France, consumers have 14 days to change their mind on any new contract.