Section actions
Duration: Withdrawal: 14 days; change supplier: 1–2 weeks; dispute MNE: 90 days
Cost: Free (retraction, change, MNE)
Possible online
Who this guide is for
Section actions
- You if you have signed an energy contract at home or by phone and want to cancel it
- You if you want to change energy supplier (EDF to TotalEnergys, etc.)
- You if you are in dispute with your energy supplier
To be prepared in advance
Section actions
- Energy contract with date of signature
- PDL (Delivery Point) for electricity or PCE (Counting Point) for gas
- Last bill with your consumption
Step-by-step procedure
Section actions
- 1Right of withdrawal 14 days: for contracts signed at home (sealing) or at a distance (telephone, online). No explanation. Send the withdrawal form (attached to the contract) or a registered letter with AR within 14 days.
- 2For agency contracts (physically signed in EDF boutique, TotalEnergys): no right of automatic withdrawal (sale in presence). However, some contracts include withdrawal clauses 7–14 days — check the GTCs.
- 3Change of supplier without charge: since 2007, the market has been completely open. Choose a new supplier from a comparator (comparator-energy.suppliers-electricite.com, digital.com). The new supplier automatically terminates the old one — no steps. Time to change: 1-2 weeks.
- 4Energy start-up banned since 2022 (climate law and resilience): representatives can no longer travel home or call to propose a new energy contract. If you're out of business — it's illegal, report to SignalConso.
- 5Classic termination: If you want to stop everything (e.g. move), inform the supplier 15–30 days in advance. Closed meter, last balance invoice of any account.
- 6Litigation with a supplier: (1) supplier's customer service (first step); (2) claims service (after refusal of customer service); (3) National Energy Ombudsman (MNE) — free, online on energy-info.fr; (4) court.
- 7For disputed invoices: do not pay the disputed amount, send a reasoned claim. The supplier must respond within 2 months. So dissatisfied — MNE.
- 8Estimation of consumption: for new contracts or without history — the supplier estimates on the basis of criteria (surface, occupants, type of heating). Regularly (every 6–12 months), takes up the actual meter. If excessive estimate — ask for an adjustment.
- 9In the event of a move: transmit meter readings on the day of the move (on line on the supplier's application or by telephone). Close the contract within a few days. Unrecorded — continuous billing.
- 10For a new housing: first commissioning of the meter via Enedis (electricity) or GRDF (gas) — 10 days to 6 months for a new installation. Contract with the supplier after opening the meter.
Common mistakes
Section actions
- Missing the 14-day withdrawal period for stalling — loss of entitlement.
- Believing that the change of supplier is complex — the new supplier automatically terminates.
- Do not report the release of energy (prohibited since 2022) — others will suffer.
- Do not transmit meter readings when moving—invoicing continues.
- Do not seize the MNE (energy mediator) — directly in court, more expensive.
Official sources
Section actions
Show sources in this section
Important remark
Energy contracts are governed by the Energy Code and the Consumer Code. Indicative information; for your case — National Energy Ombudsman.
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