Who doesn't have their 'Linky' Box?

For customers, the new meter enables billing based on an actual consumption reading, instead of being based on estimates, as is the case today. Then, using a USB key, slipped into the meter, the customer can load information on his consumption, on any incidents that have occurred on the line, on his power and on the tariffs charged, to then display them on his computer.

For suppliers, the new communication device should reduce fraud and any complaints and will allow the provision of new counting elements necessary for the construction of diversified offers and services. Suppliers will also be able to modify certain characteristics of the offer without moving. “Today, the power change requires a delay of two to five days. With this counter, in two hours, the change is made. The technicians intervene directly, without having to travel”, explains Jean Vigneron, project director. In addition, it will facilitate the installation of photovoltaic panels. The meter will then record both production and consumption indexes.

The box will communicate via the electrical network with exchanges installed by ERDF. No additional wiring is therefore necessary. 1000 of the 5000 exchanges are already operational. Installation of enclosures Linky at customers can then begin. For its first installations, ERDF has targeted two territories with diametrically opposed characteristics: an urban area, Lyon* where nearly 200 meters will be deployed and a rural department, Indre et Loire, which will accommodate 000. A few hundred meters will be installed in March, in order to run in the subcontracting companies and ensure the proper functioning of the entire system. Then, the rate will increase until it reaches 100 counters per day. The customers concerned will be notified before the replacement of their meter.

* The 4th, 5th, 6th and 9th arrondissements of Lyon, as well as the municipalities of Charbonnière-les-Bains, Ecully, Champagne-au-Mont-d'Or, Saint-Didier-au-Mont-d'Or, Caluire and Cook, Rillieux-la-Pape, Sathonay-Camp, Fontaine-St-Martin, Fontaine/Saone, Collonges, St-Cyr-au-Mont-d'Or.