EDF will no longer cut off electricity in the event of unpaid bills but will limit the power supplied – franceinfo

A measure taken against a background of soaring energy prices. EDF has decided to no longer cut off electricity in the event of unpaid bills. “We are committed to supporting our customers in the event of unpaid bills by putting an end to the interruption of the electricity supply”, announced Marc Benayoun, one of the group’s executive directors, Friday, November 12, in an interview with Parisian (paid item).

Instead, the electricity supplier undertakes to apply “a power limitation” equivalent to 1000 watts, and this “throughout the year”. This reduction will make it possible to keep “essential uses” like “lighting, recharging phones, a water heater, a washing machine, internet or even a small refrigerator”. On the other hand, such a limitation implies that “the heating for example does not work more”.

VShis measure, which will take effect on April 1, 2022, “will apply in all cases, unless there is a physical or technical impossibility to limit the power of the electrical supply of the dwelling”, clarified EDF in a statement. The law imposes a suspension of electricity and gas cuts only during the winter break, from November 1 to April 1. Outside this period, energy suppliers are free to be able to cut off the power supply to homes in default.

Every year, “between 200,000 and 300,000 homes are deprived of electricity because they could not afford to pay”, had estimated Wednesday on franceinfo the national energy mediator, Olivier Challan-Belval. “Today, electricity has really become a commodity that you cannot live without.”