While Linky meter fraud is on the rise in France, hundreds of Enedis agents will carry out surprise checks in the coming months. At least 100,000 meters are in the sights of the electricity distribution network manager.
Fraud alert. If the implementation of Linky meters by Enedis in 2015 had made it possible to slightly reduce electricity fraud, the network manager has noted a significant increase in scams since 2022, linked to the rise in energy prices.
Among its 35 million customers, at least 100,000 have a tampered meter allowing them to display lower electricity consumption or, for some… zero. In total, these frauds would represent 250 million euros in losses for the network manager. Enedis has therefore decided to counter-attack and intensify its hunt for freeloaders.
Workforce doubled in 2025
The electricity manager plans to “generalize controls in 2025” to stop this practice which certain taxpayers resort to in order to reduce their electricity bill by 50 to 70%.
Ces
100,000 tampered with meters will be subject to checks over the coming months. Enedis is counting on the efficiency of the 250 analysts continuously collecting anomalies transmitted by the 37 million Linky meters. According to a press release from the company, more than 500 customers have already been checked in five regions: Île-de-France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Grand Est, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Occitanie.
This “task force” should even see its numbers double in 2025. Please note that individuals tampering with their meters risk, if caught, three years of imprisonment. and a fine of 450,000 euros.
France
