Montpellier

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Utilities and Bills

Sections

1. Categories of Utilities in Montpellier

In Montpellier, as in the rest of France, the main utility categories include:

  • Electricity
  • Gas
  • Water
  • Internet, TV, and Phone
  • Waste Collection (Taxe d’Enlèvement des Ordures Ménagères - TEOM)

2. Average Costs of Utilities

The cost of utilities in Montpellier can vary depending on the size of your accommodation, your consumption habits, and the providers you choose. Below are average monthly costs for a single person or a small household:

Electricity

  • Average Cost: €50–€100 per month for a 1-2 bedroom apartment.
  • Electricity is provided by EDF (Électricité de France) or alternative providers like TotalEnergies or Engie. Costs depend on your consumption and whether you choose a regulated or market-based tariff.

Gas

  • Average Cost: €20–€50 per month (if your home uses gas for heating or cooking).
  • Gas is often bundled with electricity if you choose a dual-energy provider. Montpellier’s mild winters mean gas heating costs are generally lower than in northern France.

Water

  • Average Cost: €20–€40 per month.
  • Water services are managed by the local municipality or private companies like Veolia or Suez. Water bills are typically issued quarterly.

Internet, TV, and Phone

  • Average Cost: €30–€50 per month for a package including high-speed internet, TV, and a landline phone.
  • Major providers include Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free. Fiber-optic internet is widely available in Montpellier.

Waste Collection (TEOM)

  • Average Cost: €10–€20 per month (often included in property taxes or rental charges).
  • This is a municipal tax for waste collection and disposal. It’s usually paid annually or semi-annually as part of your property tax (taxe foncière) or rental charges.

Total Monthly Utility Costs

For a small apartment, expect to pay around €120–€200 per month for all utilities combined.

3. How to Set Up Utilities in Montpellier

When moving into a new home in Montpellier, you’ll need to set up or transfer utility accounts. Here’s how to do it for each category:

Electricity and Gas

  1. Choose a Provider: EDF is the default provider, but you can also choose from other companies like Engie, TotalEnergies, or Eni.
  2. Contact the Provider: Call or visit their website to set up an account. You’ll need:
    • Proof of identity (passport or residence permit).
    • Your new address.
    • The meter reading (relevé de compteur) from your new home.
    • The previous tenant’s customer reference number (if available).
  3. Contract Options: Choose between regulated tariffs (offered by EDF) or market-based tariffs (offered by alternative providers).
  4. Activation: Activation usually takes a few days. If the electricity or gas is disconnected, you may need to pay a reconnection fee.

Water

  1. Contact the Local Water Provider: Montpellier’s water services are managed by the local municipality or private companies like Veolia.
  2. Provide Documentation: You’ll need proof of identity, your new address, and the meter reading.
  3. Billing: Water bills are typically issued quarterly, and you can set up direct debit payments.

Internet, TV, and Phone

  1. Compare Providers: Check coverage and offers from Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free. Fiber-optic internet is widely available in Montpellier.
  2. Sign Up: You’ll need proof of identity, your address, and a bank account (RIB) for payment.
  3. Installation: Installation can take 1–2 weeks. Some providers may charge an installation fee.

Waste Collection (TEOM)

  • This is usually handled automatically by the landlord or property manager. If you own your home, it will be included in your property tax bill.

4. Payment Methods

In Montpellier, utility bills can be paid using the following methods:

  • Direct Debit (Prélèvement Automatique): The most common and convenient method. You’ll need to provide your bank account details (RIB) to set this up.
  • Online Payment: Most providers have online portals or apps where you can pay your bills.
  • Bank Transfer: You can manually transfer payments to the provider’s account.
  • Post Office (La Poste): Some providers allow you to pay bills at the post office.
  • Check (Chèque): Less common but still accepted by some providers.

5. Local Tips and Cultural Considerations

  • Meter Readings: Always take a meter reading (electricity, gas, and water) when you move in and out of a property. This ensures you’re only billed for your usage.
  • Eco-Friendly Practices: Montpellier is an eco-conscious city. Consider reducing your energy and water consumption to save money and align with local values.
  • Dual-Energy Plans: If your home uses both electricity and gas, consider a dual-energy plan from providers like Engie or TotalEnergies for potential discounts.
  • Off-Peak Electricity Rates: Many providers offer off-peak rates (heures creuses) for electricity. If you can schedule high-energy activities (e.g., laundry) during these hours, you can save money.
  • Recycling and Waste Sorting: Montpellier has strict recycling rules. Make sure to separate your waste into the appropriate bins (yellow for recyclables, green for general waste, etc.).
  • Language Barrier: Most utility providers operate in French. If you’re not fluent, consider asking a French-speaking friend or using translation tools when setting up accounts.

6. Emergency Contacts

  • Electricity Issues: Enedis (electricity network operator) – 09 72 67 50 34
  • Gas Leaks: GRDF (gas network operator) – 0 800 47 33 33
  • Water Issues: Contact your local water provider (details will be on your bill or lease agreement).

By following this guide, you should be well-prepared to manage your utilities and bills in Montpellier. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!