A recent report from the Court of Auditors reveals that while Enedis has gained significantly from the Linky smart meter deployment, consumers have not benefited as expected. Enedis received an estimated 311 million euros from 2016 to 2023, and although operational efficiencies have improved, anticipated consumer advantages, particularly in energy management, have largely fallen short. Future considerations highlight the need for innovative services to enhance Linky’s potential, with consumers potentially facing increased electricity bills by 2025.
Assessment of Linky Meters: A Mixed Bag for Consumers and Enedis
The recent report from the Court of Auditors has shed light on the deployment of Linky smart meters, revealing that while Enedis has reaped significant benefits, consumers have not gained as much as anticipated. Let’s delve into the details of the findings.
Enedis’ Financial Gains from Linky Meters
The Court of Auditors highlighted that the incentives tied to the Linky program, covering its financing and regulatory frameworks, have been particularly favorable for Enedis. This utility company, which manages 95% of the electricity network in France, is estimated to have received an additional remuneration of approximately 311 million euros from 2016 to 2023.
Despite this financial advantage, the report acknowledges that the mass deployment of Linky meters was executed within the designated timeline and at a cost lower than initially projected. This aspect of the project has been positively received by various stakeholders.
Moreover, the transition to smart meters has led to several operational efficiencies, such as reduced costs for remote reading, decreased need for on-site interventions, and a noticeable drop in technical losses and billing errors. However, the report underscores that while these advancements have benefitted Enedis, the advantages for consumers are less clear.
Consumer Impact and Future Considerations
Consumers can expect to see some benefits, primarily through a reduction in the cost of specific services. Nevertheless, many anticipated improvements, especially in energy consumption management, have not materialized as expected. According to Sylvain Le Falher, co-founder of Hello Watt, for Linky to be truly beneficial, it should facilitate a decrease in energy usage. Currently, this goal remains unfulfilled, raising concerns that consumer bills may rise as the costs associated with Enedis’ remuneration are reflected in the TURPE—a fee that constitutes roughly one-third of electricity bills.
Looking ahead, the Court of Auditors also noted a lack of innovative offerings that leverage the capabilities of Linky meters, which have not kept pace with their deployment. While some new services have been introduced, consumer preference for fixed or regulated tariffs has stifled the adoption of more dynamic pricing models.
In conclusion, while Linky meters present a valuable opportunity for energy transition, they require complementary tools and strategies to maximize their potential. As demonstrated by Hello Watt’s application, users can achieve an average savings of 12% on their energy bills by actively engaging with their consumption data.
As we approach 2025, consumers should be aware of the potential for an increase of approximately 66 euros in their electricity bills due to these developments. Staying informed and proactive in managing energy usage will be essential moving forward.