Nice

💡

Utilities and Services

Sections

1. Overview of Utilities in Nice, France

When renting or owning a property in Nice, you will typically need to manage the following utilities and services:

  • Electricity
  • Gas (optional, depending on the property)
  • Water
  • Internet and Telephone
  • Waste Collection and Recycling
  • Heating (if not included in rent)

2. Electricity

Provider Options:

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

Average Costs:

  • For a small apartment (1-2 bedrooms): €50–€80/month
  • For a larger home: €100–€150/month
  • Costs depend on the size of the property, energy efficiency, and usage.

How to Set It Up:

  1. Contact a Provider: Call or visit the website of your chosen provider.
  2. Provide Information:
    • Address of the property
    • Meter reading (if available)
    • Previous tenant’s customer number (if applicable)
    • Your bank details (for direct debit payments)
  3. Sign a Contract: You will receive a contract outlining your tariff and terms.
  4. Activation: Activation usually takes 1–5 business days. If the electricity is disconnected, an appointment with a technician may be required.

Documentation Needed:

  • Proof of identity (passport or residence permit)
  • Proof of address (rental agreement or property deed)
  • Bank account details (RIB - Relevé d’Identité Bancaire)

Local Tips:

  • Opt for a dual electricity and gas plan if your property uses both, as it can save money.
  • Consider off-peak tariffs (tarif heures creuses) if you can schedule energy-intensive activities during off-peak hours.

3. Gas

Provider Options:

Gas is also commonly provided by Engie or EDF, but other providers like TotalEnergies and Eni are available.

Average Costs:

  • For cooking only: €10–€20/month
  • For heating and cooking: €50–€100/month

How to Set It Up:

The process is similar to setting up electricity:

  1. Choose a provider and contact them.
  2. Provide the same information as for electricity (address, meter reading, etc.).
  3. Sign a contract and schedule activation if necessary.

Documentation Needed:

Same as for electricity (proof of identity, address, and bank details).

Local Tips:

  • Many apartments in Nice do not use gas, as electric heating and cooking are common. Check with your landlord or property manager before setting up gas service.

4. Water

Provider:

Water services in Nice are managed by Eau d’Azur, the local water authority.

Average Costs:

  • For a small apartment: €20–€40/month
  • For a larger home: €50–€80/month
  • Water is typically billed quarterly.

How to Set It Up:

  1. Contact Eau d’Azur directly to open an account.
  2. Provide the following:
    • Address of the property
    • Meter reading (if available)
    • Bank details for direct debit
  3. Activation is usually straightforward and does not require a technician visit.

Documentation Needed:

  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of address
  • Bank account details

Local Tips:

  • Water usage is metered, so be mindful of consumption to avoid high bills.
  • Some rental agreements include water in the rent, so confirm with your landlord.

5. Internet, Telephone, and TV

Provider Options:

Major providers in Nice include:

  • Orange
  • SFR
  • Bouygues Telecom
  • Free

Average Costs:

  • Internet and telephone (basic package): €30–€50/month
  • Bundled packages (Internet, TV, and phone): €40–€70/month

How to Set It Up:

  1. Compare providers online to find the best deal for your needs.
  2. Contact the provider to subscribe.
  3. Schedule an installation appointment (if necessary).
  4. Activation can take 1–3 weeks, depending on the provider.

Documentation Needed:

  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of address
  • Bank account details

Local Tips:

  • Fiber-optic internet (fibre) is widely available in Nice and offers faster speeds. Check if your building is equipped.
  • Many providers offer discounts for bundled services (e.g., Internet + mobile phone).

6. Waste Collection and Recycling

Service Provider:

Waste collection in Nice is managed by the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur.

Costs:

  • Waste collection fees are typically included in property taxes (taxe d’habitation), which landlords often pay. Confirm with your landlord if this is the case.

How It Works:

  • General Waste: Collected multiple times per week.
  • Recycling: Separate bins are provided for paper, plastic, and glass.
  • Organic Waste: Some areas have composting programs.

Local Tips:

  • Familiarize yourself with the waste collection schedule for your neighborhood.
  • Improper sorting of recyclables can result in fines.

7. Heating

Types of Heating:

  • Electric Heating: Common in apartments.
  • Gas Heating: Found in older or larger homes.
  • Central Heating: May be included in the rent for some buildings.

Costs:

  • Electric heating: €50–€100/month during winter
  • Gas heating: €80–€150/month during winter

Local Tips:

  • Insulation in older buildings in Nice may not be optimal. Invest in draft stoppers and heavy curtains to reduce heating costs.

8. General Tips for Managing Utilities in Nice

  1. Set Up Utilities Early: Contact providers as soon as you sign your rental agreement to avoid delays.
  2. Use Direct Debit: Most providers offer discounts for automatic payments.
  3. Monitor Usage: Use online portals or apps provided by utility companies to track your consumption and avoid surprises.
  4. Understand Your Lease: Some utilities (e.g., water or heating) may be included in your rent. Clarify this with your landlord.
  5. Emergency Numbers:
    • Electricity (EDF): 09 72 67 50 06
    • Gas (Engie): 09 69 39 99 93
    • Water (Eau d’Azur): 04 93 13 51 51

By following this guide, you should be well-prepared to set up and manage utilities and services in Nice, France. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!