Overview of grid
France’s general legislation on energy regulates grid connection, usage and development practices. Electricity from renewable energy sources does not benefit from special legal provisions.
Connection to the grid
Electricity producers have a contractual right to connect renewable energy facilities to the grid. The grid operator is required to reach agreement on connection arrangements without favoring certain plant operators. Plants that generate renewable energy are not prioritized.
Use of the grid
Plant operators have a contractual right to use the grid. The grid operator is required to reach agreements on connection and consumption without favoring certain plant operators. Plants that generate electricity from renewable energy sources are not prioritized.
Grid development
Facility operators may have contractual rights to grid expansion if the connection of a plant to the grid necessitates grid expansion. In order to meet the Public Service Obligation (PSO - "Service Public de l'Électricité"), the grid operator is often required to expand the grid.
Competent authorities
- Gestionnaire du Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTE) – transmission grid operator
- Enedis (Formerly ERDF, Électricité Réseau Distribution France) – main distribution grid operator
Number of DSOs
Number of DSOs: 144
Number of legally unbundled DSOs: 6
Source: 2020 DSO facts and figures Eurelectric; Distribution System Operator Observatory 2020
Smart Meter Penetration Rate
76.4%
Source: 2020 DSO facts and figures Eurelectric
Active electricity suppliers
Total number of active electricity nationwide suppliers in the retail market 2019-2020: 50
External switching rates for electricity household customers in 2020: 11.5%
Source: ACER/CEER Annual Report on the Results of Monitoring the Internal Electricity and Natural Gas Markets in 2020 - Energy Retail Markets and Consumer Protection Volume