Dossier ENGIE
PCE number: what is this gas entry point in your home and how can you find it?
Whether you want to subscribe to a gas offer with a supplier other than your current one or you are moving into a new home, one question will inevitably be asked: what is your PCE number? To help you understand everything about this unique identification number for your gas installation, ENGIE provides this complete guide.
After months of construction work, you are finally ready to move into your new home. To complete your installation, you will need to set up your energy supply. If you have chosen gas, you will be asked for a number to connect your home to the GRDF network: the Point de Comptage et d’Estimation (PCE). ENGIE explains everything you need to know about this number that will allow gas to flow into your home.
What is the PCE number?
The Point de Comptage et d’Estimation, more commonly known by the acronym PCE, is a 14-digit number. This identifier allows energy suppliers to locate your gas installation. It is therefore completely unique and linked to a single property. It is more precise than a postal address, as it distinguishes between multiple dwellings sharing the same address (such as apartments).
On the other hand, the PCE is not directly linked to:
a gas supply contract;
a specific supplier;
a particular customer.
This means it remains the same as long as you live in the same property, even if the meter is changed. However, if you move, your PCE will change because it is tied to the property itself.
PCE number vs. meter number: two numbers not to confuse
It is important to clearly distinguish between the PCE number and the meter number. The latter is linked to the metering device itself—in other words, your gas meter—and is physically engraved on it.
Another difference: while the PCE remains fixed throughout your stay in a given property, the meter number changes whenever the equipment is replaced.
As a reminder: only the PCE will be requested when initiating the connection of your home to the gas network in your new place of residence.
What is the purpose of the PCE number?
The gas PCE number will be requested by your chosen energy supplier when you subscribe to a new contract.
Why? Because it allows the gas supplier to precisely locate the supply point—that is, the location of your home’s gas installation. It also enables the supplier to communicate the exact details of this supply point to the network operator, who is responsible for delivering the gas. In addition, the PCE is necessary for the supplier to identify the gas meter associated with your home. This is particularly important when several meters are installed at the same address.
Without a PCE, your supplier will not be able to:
create a contract in your name;
activate the gas supply in your home;
bill you based on the consumption recorded by your meter. This explains its name: Point de Comptage et d’Estimation, as it is used to measure and estimate the natural gas consumed.
Please note that the PCE number is also required when terminating a contract. This ensures that your supplier disconnects the gas supply at the correct property if no new contract is set up.
Good to know
GRDF, the main operator of the French public gas distribution network, covers 95% of the country. The remaining 5% is managed by local distribution companies known as ELD (Entreprises Locales de Distribution).
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How to find your Point de Comptage et d’Estimation (PCE)
Do you need your PCE? There are several ways to find it, depending on your situation.
How to find your PCE number if you already have a gas contract?
Are you currently under contract with another supplier and want to switch to ENGIE? We will need your PCE number to terminate your existing contract and set up your new one.
You can find your PCE number:
on your gas bills from your current supplier: all suppliers systematically include the PCE on invoices;
in your online customer account: suppliers are required to keep your bills for several years;
by contacting your current supplier’s customer service team.
How to find the PCE number for a home you are moving into?
If you are moving into a property that has previously been occupied, you can contact your supplier. Using your new address and the name of the previous occupant, they can easily retrieve it.
When moving in, you can also request the PCE from:
the real estate agency that sold or rented you the property;
the property owner (if you are renting);
the previous occupant, who can share an old gas bill containing the PCE.
Be careful to complete these steps before subscribing to a new gas contract, as you will need to provide your PCE to your chosen supplier.
PCE for a new home
As you have understood, the PCE is identified based on the property’s history. For a newly built home, the Point de Comptage et d’Estimation does not yet exist. You must therefore submit a gas connection request to the network operator GRDF as part of the process of connecting your home to the gas network.
Once your request has been processed and your meter installed, the PCE will be required to activate your meter by both GRDF and your gas supplier. The next step will be to choose a contract suited to your needs, allowing you to manage your consumption and reduce your energy bills.
Please note that the gas PCE number is also indicated on the Qualigaz compliance certificate.
Gazpar meter and PCE: what changes should you expect?
GRDF has launched a nationwide rollout of a smart gas meter called Gazpar. At a time when energy resources are becoming increasingly scarce, this connected device gives you greater control over your consumption.
Although it differs from older models in many ways, the Gazpar smart meter also has a PCE. However, unlike older-generation meters, Gazpar allows you to view your PCE number directly on the device.
What should you do if you provided the wrong PCE number?
In the rare but possible case that you provide an incorrect PCE to your new gas supplier, act quickly. Contact your supplier’s customer service as soon as possible to correct the number. This ensures you are properly supplied with gas and avoids being billed for another household’s consumption.
That said, there is no need to worry: suppliers carry out multiple checks—address, floor level, previous occupant’s name—to minimize the risk of error.
What is the PDL or PRM number?
The PDL (Point de Livraison), or PRM with a Linky meter, is also a 14-digit identification number linked to your property—but it applies to electricity rather than gas. It allows your supplier to locate your home more precisely than with a postal address and to supply electricity according to your contract terms.
The PCE and PDL serve the same purpose: they are both used by suppliers to indicate a delivery point (for natural gas or electricity) to network operators such as GRDF (for gas) or Enedis (for electricity).
PCE number: key takeaways
The PCE is a unique 14-digit number that allows your supplier to precisely identify your property and enables GRDF to locate the gas delivery point.
This number is linked to a property—not to a customer, supplier, or meter. It only changes when you move to a different home.
The PCE is required when subscribing to a gas contract with a new supplier, when moving into a new home, or when activating a meter in a newly built property.
You can find it on your gas bill, in your online customer account, or through your supplier. For a new home, it must be requested from GRDF.
Even easier: if your home is equipped with a Gazpar meter, you can find the PCE directly on the device.
What is the gas PCE?
The PCE (Point de Comptage et d’Estimation) is a unique 14-digit identification number assigned to your natural gas installation. It is essential for contract-related procedures and meter activation. It allows your supplier to precisely locate your property within the gas distribution network (GRDF). The PCE is linked to the property and therefore remains the same even if you change supplier.
Where can you find the PCE number?
If you are already a customer: you will find it on all your gas bills (paper or online) or in your customer account.
If you are moving in: ask the previous occupant, the landlord, or the real estate agency. Your new supplier can often retrieve it using the exact address and the former resident’s name.
With a Gazpar meter: the PCE is displayed directly on the meter screen.
For a new home: it appears on the Qualigaz compliance certificate issued after connection.
What is a 6-digit PCE?
A PCE is always a 14-digit number. A 6-digit number refers to the meter number (or serial number), which identifies the physical device rather than the connection point. This meter number is not sufficient to subscribe to a contract. Only the 14-digit PCE is required by your supplier for activation.
