How can you modify or increase the power of your Linky™ meter?

The power rating of your electricity meter determines how your internal electrical installation operates and also influences the price of your electricity subscription. If your electrical installation tends to trip frequently, it may be because the power level you subscribed to no longer matches your needs. With the new Linky™ smart meter technology, it is entirely possible to adjust your electrical power and regain peace of mind.

When is it necessary to modify the power of a Linky™ meter?

Changing the power of a Linky™ meter, whether decreasing or increasing it, may be necessary if you notice that your meter trips too often or if your actual electricity consumption does not match the power level subscribed to when signing your contract.

You may also need to choose a new electrical power level if your heating system changes, especially if your previous heating system was not electric or if you decide to install a heat pump. In this case, your energy supplier will establish a new estimate of your electricity consumption and your updated needs with you.

Finally, when moving into a newly built home, you will usually need to choose the electrical power of your Linky™ meter yourself. However, the maximum available power is determined beforehand by ENEDIS when the property is connected to the electricity network.

What is the electrical power of my Linky™ meter?

This corresponds to the subscribed power included in your electricity contract with your energy supplier. This power level, measured in kilovolt-amperes (kVA), must be calibrated so that your different electrical appliances can operate at the same time without causing your installation to trip.

If you do not know the power level you subscribed to, it is indicated on your electricity bill or directly on your Linky™ meter. In the latter case, simply press the + button on the meter until the screen displays “P Souscrite”. The number shown corresponds to your subscription power.

In France, there are nine possible power levels, although some are rarely used. In practice, most French households mainly use the following four power levels for domestic use:

• 3 kVA for small homes between 25 and 50 m²
  

• 6 kVA, the most common subscription, suitable for medium-sized homes heated with gas and small homes heated with electricity
  

• 9 kVA for larger homes between 80 m² and 160 m²
  

• 12 kVA for very large homes heated with electricity, properties with a swimming pool, or business premises

How can you modify the power of your meter?

Modifying the power of any electricity meter, whether older generation or new generation is the responsibility of ENEDIS, the French national electricity distribution network operator. It is the only organization authorized to intervene on meter power settings.

To request a change, simply contact your current energy supplier by phone. Once informed of your request, the supplier will carry out the necessary procedures directly with the network operator on your behalf.

Unlike older electricity meters that required a technician to visit your home, the power adjustment of a Linky™ meter is carried out remotely and usually within a few hours. Thanks to this new generation meter, the process is therefore significantly simplified.

How much does it cost to change the power of your Linky™ meter?

Increasing or decreasing the power level is free during the first year following the installation of your new meter. ENEDIS considers that installing a Linky™ meter may require adjustments.

However, if your request is made after this first year, the remote power update service for your Linky™ meter will be charged €4.21 including taxes(1) by the network operator.

For an older generation meter, which requires a technician’s visit or adjustments made directly on the meter or circuit breaker, expect a cost of €42.81 (prices valid until August 2025).

Although the cost of modifying the power of a Linky™ meter remains relatively low, the operation may influence the price of your electricity because the subscription price increases with the number of kVA.

If you also plan to replace your circuit breaker or electricity meter, the cost will then be €63.72.

Are you considering a higher power level? Compare the offers currently available from different energy suppliers and look at the price per kWh. The Weekend option(2) from ENGIE is compatible with your Linky™ meter and allows you to benefit from a 30% lower price per kWh excluding taxes during weekends and public holidays.

What are the risks of an unsuitable electrical power level?

If the power level subscribed to when signing your electricity contract does not match your actual consumption, two situations may occur:

• The subscribed power is significantly higher than your actual electricity consumption.
  In this case, it is important to contact your energy supplier so that they can adjust the power of your Linky™ meter to your real needs. By correctly adjusting your electrical power, you can easily save money. The price of your electricity subscription is based on the subscribed power level. The higher the power level, the higher the subscription price. In other words, you may be paying more than necessary.
• The electrical power available is too low for your needs.
  In this situation, the risk is frequent circuit breaker trips, resulting in repeated power outages in your home.

Having a power level adapted to your needs is therefore important both to ensure optimal use of your electrical appliances and for financial reasons.

Should you call an electrician before increasing the power of your Linky™ meter?

Linky™ smart meters are much more precise than older generations of meters, which could tolerate small power overruns without causing the entire electrical installation to trip.

With a Linky™ meter, the subscribed power strictly corresponds to the number of kVA delivered. While electromechanical meters measure power in kW, which allows for slightly more tolerance, Linky™ meters measure it directly in kVA.

This difference in measurement systems explains, in most cases, the power outages that occur after the installation of a new meter. Indeed, the ENEDIS technician installing the meter is not responsible for reassessing the power required to operate your electrical appliances.

To ensure that your communicating meter can support your electrical installation as before, it is recommended to consult a certified electrician. Only a professional can determine the electrical power level best suited to your needs and confirm whether your installation can support a higher power level.

Explore the French version of this article