Marseille

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Utilities and Billing

Sections

1. Overview of Utilities in Marseille

In Marseille, as in the rest of France, the main utilities you’ll need to set up include:

  • Electricity
  • Water
  • Gas
  • Internet, TV, and Phone
  • Waste Collection (included in local taxes)

Each utility has its own providers, setup process, and billing system. Below is a breakdown of each service.

2. Electricity

Providers

Electricity in Marseille is primarily provided by EDF (Électricité de France), the national provider, but there are also alternative suppliers like Engie, TotalEnergies, and Iberdrola. You can compare providers on websites like Selectra or Hello Watt to find the best rates.

Average Costs

  • For a small apartment (1-2 people): €50–€70/month
  • For a larger home (3-4 people): €90–€150/month
  • Costs depend on your consumption, the size of your home, and whether you use electricity for heating.

How to Set Up Electricity

  1. Contact a Provider: Call or visit the provider’s website to set up an account. You’ll need:
    • Proof of identity (passport or residence permit)
    • Proof of address (rental contract or utility bill from the previous tenant)
    • Bank account details (RIB – Relevé d’Identité Bancaire)
    • The meter number (POD or PDL) from your property.
  2. Choose a Tariff: Most providers offer fixed or variable tariffs. You can also choose between peak/off-peak rates (Heures Pleines/Heures Creuses) for lower costs during off-peak hours.

Billing and Payment

  • Bills are issued monthly or bi-monthly.
  • Payment methods include:
    • Direct debit (most common)
    • Online payment via the provider’s website or app
    • Bank transfer
    • Payment at the post office (La Poste)
  • Tip: Opt for direct debit to avoid late payment fees.

3. Water

Provider

Water services in Marseille are managed by Eau de Marseille Métropole, the local water authority.

Average Costs

  • Water is relatively affordable in Marseille:
    • Average cost: €3–€5 per cubic meter
    • Monthly bill for a small household: €20–€40
    • Larger households: €50–€80/month

How to Set Up Water

  1. Contact Eau de Marseille Métropole:
    • Provide proof of identity, address, and bank details.
    • If you’re renting, your landlord may have already set up the service, and you’ll just need to transfer the account to your name.
  2. Meter Reading: A technician may visit to take an initial reading.

Billing and Payment

  • Bills are issued quarterly.
  • Payment methods:
    • Direct debit
    • Online payment via the Eau de Marseille website
    • Bank transfer
  • Tip: Monitor your water usage to avoid unexpected high bills, especially during the summer when water consumption tends to increase.

4. Gas

Providers

Gas is used for heating, cooking, and hot water in many homes. The main providers are Engie (formerly GDF Suez) and alternative suppliers like TotalEnergies and Eni.

Average Costs

  • Small apartment: €30–€50/month
  • Larger home: €80–€150/month
  • Costs vary depending on usage and whether gas is used for heating.

How to Set Up Gas

  1. Contact a Provider: Similar to electricity, you’ll need proof of identity, address, bank details, and the meter number (PCE).
  2. Choose a Tariff: Fixed or variable rates are available.

Billing and Payment

  • Bills are issued monthly or bi-monthly.
  • Payment methods:
    • Direct debit
    • Online payment
    • Bank transfer
  • Tip: If your home uses both electricity and gas, consider a dual-energy contract for potential discounts.

5. Internet, TV, and Phone

Providers

The main providers in Marseille are:

  • Orange (formerly France Télécom)
  • SFR
  • Bouygues Telecom
  • Free

Average Costs

  • Internet-only plans: €20–€40/month
  • Internet + TV + Phone bundles: €30–€60/month
  • Fiber-optic internet is widely available in Marseille.

How to Set Up Internet

  1. Check Availability: Use the provider’s website to check if fiber or ADSL is available at your address.
  2. Sign a Contract: You’ll need proof of identity, address, and bank details.
  3. Installation: A technician may need to visit your home to install the equipment.

Billing and Payment

  • Bills are issued monthly.
  • Payment methods:
    • Direct debit
    • Online payment
    • Bank transfer
  • Tip: Compare providers and negotiate for discounts, especially if you’re bundling services.

6. Waste Collection

Waste collection is managed by the Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence. The cost is included in your local taxes, specifically the Taxe d’Enlèvement des Ordures Ménagères (TEOM), which is part of your property tax or included in your rent if you’re a tenant.

7. Local Tips and Cultural Considerations

  1. Energy Efficiency: Many older buildings in Marseille lack proper insulation, which can increase heating and cooling costs. Consider energy-saving measures like using draft stoppers or investing in portable fans for the summer.
  2. Water Conservation: Marseille has a Mediterranean climate, and water conservation is encouraged, especially during dry summers.
  3. Customer Service: French utility providers can sometimes be slow to respond to issues. Be patient and persistent, and consider visiting their local offices if you encounter delays.
  4. Language Barrier: Most utility providers offer customer service in French. If you’re not fluent, consider asking a French-speaking friend or using translation tools to assist with setup and communication.
  5. Budgeting: Many providers offer an estimated billing system (based on average usage) with an annual adjustment. This can help you budget more effectively.

8. Key Contacts

  • EDF: www.edf.fr
  • Engie: www.engie.fr
  • Eau de Marseille Métropole: www.eaudemarseille.fr
  • Orange: www.orange.fr
  • SFR: www.sfr.fr
  • Bouygues Telecom: www.bouyguestelecom.fr
  • Free: www.free.fr

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to set up and manage your utilities in Marseille. If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!