Rarely has the large-scale use of what has become one of the household appliances sparked so much passion. The controversies over the installation of Linky, which are now practically over, have largely subsided, but doubts remain about the extent of the advantages that will be obtained from the communicating electricity meter of Enedis, the distribution network manager. this is the meaning of the new report, published on Thursday 28 November, by the magistrates of the Court of Auditors.
In 2018 they were already a little cautious. In an initial report, they then mentioned “ an expensive device for the consumer, but favorable for Enedis “, judging that the ” earnings » designed by users were “ still insufficient “. These criticisms remain even today, although the Court mitigates them somewhat, noting a certain number of positive points.
An industrial success
The mass rollout of Linky was therefore carried out on time and at a much lower price than expected,” making this industrial program a success recognized by most stakeholders », underlines the report. The total cost amounts to 4.6 billion euros, an amount 18% lower than initial forecasts, thanks in particular to savings made on the purchase and installation of meters. According to the Court, “ the quality of the service is overall satisfactory, although difficulties persist with the information systems and the control of their costs ».
In total, according to the latest data from Enedis, 37.4 million meters have been installed, which corresponds to an equipment percentage of 95% and the end of the program is in sight, even if Enedis does not provide any date. Installations went well, the report found, with a very low reoperation rate (less than 1%) and a complaint rate around 0.7%.
Fewer billing problems
One of Linky’s interests is to allow remote interventions to be carried out. They are faster and make life easier for consumers, who are no longer forced to wait at home for a technician to arrive for certain operations. Based on data collected in 2020, when uptake was already notable, the number of complaints was five times lower for gifted subscribers.
before the abandonment of bills based on estimated consumption indices”, suppliers confirmed that they had noticed a relaxation in their relationships with customers regarding invoicing,” the magistrates underline. The meter also allowed the advancement of individual and collective self-consumption.
Could we still expect more benefits from Linky? Evidently yes, the Court of Auditors believes. The objective of reducing fraud, which has been on the rise since 2023, has not been achieved, even if the implementation of the counter has made it possible to limit it, the rapporteurs judge. Thanks to the communication system, 150,000 meters subject to fraudulent interventions were almost certainly identified, the report specifies.
Little efficiency in energy management
But it is above all in the reduction of consumption and in the relief offered to the network to overcome the peaks that the Linky program has not kept its promises, states the Court, even if it recognizes that the ambitions expressed at the beginning were undoubtedly decidedly too ambitious, the report talks about “ a provisional balance sheet that is still disappointing as regards the control of energy demand and the commercial aspect “. This applies in particular to controlling or limiting the power of equipment at certain times of the day which, for the moment, “ it is not obvious ».
Whose fault is it? According to the report’s estimates, only a few do so to suppliers who have not sufficiently offered other offers in this regard, but also to consumers who prefer fixed or predictable prices such as regulated prices. “ Widespread cancellation contracts with private individuals are almost non-existent today. “,he underlines.
The experiment carried out by Enedis in February 2024 in Puy-de-Dôme, at the request of the public authorities; with 118,000 customers, it has nevertheless proven its effectiveness. Limiting power during peak hours allowed a reduction in peak consumption by 20 to 25 percent for each time slot.
Over the course of the 2022/2023 winter, the deactivation of hot water tank filling for the 4.5 million customers with the high/low option resulted in a drop in electrical power of 2.5 GW. But it had attracted much criticism,in particular that it was an attack on individual freedoms.
Reluctance to provide consumption data
A sensitive topic on Linky. The disclosure of data, considered personal, was one of the arguments of the opponents of the meter, with the alleged effects of wave propagation. As the launch of the program in the mid-2010s, the National Commission for IT and Freedoms (CNIL) had also established that the subscriber had to expressly give their consent to the use of hourly consumption data.
Even today, just over one in four households is equipped with a smart meter and has agreed to reveal their load curve. “Linky is a fantastic tool for the energy transition, but it has never really been supported by public authorities through communication campaigns », judge Sylvain Le Falher, co-founder of Hellowatt, a company specializing in energy efficiency. It is arduous in these conditions to launch national energy management operations.
What are the main advantages of using Linky smart meters according to Dr. Marie Lefevre?
Interview Transcript: Time.news Exclusive
Editor: Welcome to time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Marie Lefevre, an expert in energy management and smart technology implementation, about the recent report on Linky, the controversial smart electricity meters launched by Enedis. Dr. Lefevre, thank you for joining us today.
Dr.Lefevre: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this important topic.
Editor: The report from the Court of Auditors has sparked quite a discussion. It highlighted that although the initial controversies around linky have subsided, doubts about its advantages remain. Can you shed some light on what those advantages might be?
Dr. Lefevre: Absolutely! One of the primary advantages of the Linky meters is their ability to enable remote interventions. This feature not only makes the service more efficient but also considerably reduces the time homeowners spend dealing with billing issues. Consumers can benefit from more accurate monitoring of their energy usage, and changes can be implemented much faster than before.
Editor: That sounds promising. However, the Court’s initial report in 2018 was more critical, labeling it an “expensive device for the consumer.” Do you think those concerns are still valid today?
Dr. Lefevre: while some consumers might still see Linky as costly, I believe the overall benefits outweigh those concerns.The initial skepticism stemmed from uncertainties around return on investment for users. However, as the Court noted in the recent report, the broader goal of modernizing the grid and improving energy efficiency is paramount. Plus, the cost of the entire rollout was lower than anticipated, so it’s encouraging that it became more economically feasible.
Editor: The report mentions that 37.4 million Linky meters have been installed, with a reoperation rate of less than 1%. do you think these statistics justify the rollout’s success?
Dr. Lefevre: Indeed, these numbers are impressive. A reoperation rate of less than 1% in such a large-scale deployment indicates a strong execution. It shows that the technology is reliable, and the installation process was well-organized. The complaint rate of around 0.7% also suggests that most users are having a favorable experience with their new meters.
Editor: You mentioned energy efficiency. What role does Linky play in the broader context of energy consumption and sustainability?
Dr.Lefevre: Linky serves as a crucial component in the transition to a smarter and more sustainable energy ecosystem. By providing real-time data on consumption, it empowers consumers to make informed decisions about their energy use. This could lead to more conscious consumption patterns, ultimately aiding in the reduction of energy waste and promoting sustainable practices.
Editor: The report notes some issues, particularly with the details systems and cost control. What do you think needs to be addressed to enhance the overall effectiveness of Linky?
Dr. Lefevre: Improvements in information systems are essential. This includes ensuring that data is accurate and accessible not just for the utility companies but for the consumers as well.Enhanced user interfaces and mobile applications can definately help customers manage their energy use better. Additionally, ongoing audits and evaluations of the cost management processes will help keep the program on track and maximize its benefits.
Editor: lastly, do you see a future where smart meters like Linky are commonplace, or do you anticipate further pushback from consumers?
Dr. Lefevre: I definitely see a future where smart meters become the norm. As more people become aware of the benefits—like convenience, energy savings, and a better understanding of consumption patterns—the acceptance will grow. However, it’s crucial that energy companies continue to engage with consumers and transparently communicate the advantages while addressing their concerns to build trust.
Editor: Thank you,Dr. Lefevre, for this insightful discussion. Your expertise provides clarity on the complexities surrounding Linky and its implications for energy usage in the future.
Dr. Lefevre: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to share my thoughts on this compelling topic.