Toulouse

💡

Utilities and Services

Sections

1. Utility Categories in Toulouse

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

  • Electricity
  • Gas (optional, depending on the property)
  • Water
  • Internet, TV, and Phone
  • Waste Collection and Recycling (included in local taxes)

2. Average Costs of Utilities in Toulouse

The cost of utilities in Toulouse can vary depending on the size of the property, the number of occupants, and your consumption habits. Below are average monthly costs for a standard apartment (50–70 m²) with 1–2 occupants:

Electricity

  • Average Cost: €50–€100/month
  • Electricity is provided by EDF (Électricité de France) or other private providers like TotalEnergies or Engie. Costs depend on your consumption and the type of contract (fixed or variable rates).

Gas

  • Average Cost: €20–€50/month
  • Gas is used for heating, cooking, and hot water in some homes. Engie is the main provider, but other companies like TotalEnergies also offer gas services.

Water

  • Average Cost: €20–€40/month
  • Water is managed by the local municipal service, Eau de Toulouse Métropole. Costs include water supply and wastewater treatment.

Internet, TV, and Phone

  • Average Cost: €30–€50/month
  • Internet providers in Toulouse include Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free. Most packages include high-speed fiber internet, TV channels, and a landline phone.

Waste Collection and Recycling

  • Cost: Included in the Taxe d’Enlèvement des Ordures Ménagères (TEOM), which is part of your property tax or rental charges.
  • Waste collection is managed by Toulouse Métropole.

Total Monthly Utility Costs

  • For a small apartment: €120–€200/month (excluding rent).
  • For a larger home: €200–€300/month.

3. How to Set Up Utilities in Toulouse

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

Electricity and Gas

  1. Choose a Provider: Compare providers like EDF, Engie, or TotalEnergies. Use comparison websites like Selectra or Hello Watt to find the best deal.
  2. Contact the Provider: Call or visit the provider’s website to set up a contract.
  3. Provide Required Information:
    • Address of the property.
    • Meter readings (electricity and gas).
    • Previous tenant’s customer reference number (if available).
    • Bank details (RIB) for direct debit payments.
  4. Activation: Activation usually takes 1–5 business days. For urgent activation, you may need to pay an additional fee.

Water

  1. Contact Eau de Toulouse Métropole: Visit their website or call their customer service to set up your account.
  2. Provide Required Information:
    • Address of the property.
    • Move-in date.
    • Bank details (RIB) for payments.
  3. Meter Reading: Provide the water meter reading on the day you move in.
  4. Billing: Water bills are typically issued every 2–3 months.

Internet, TV, and Phone

  1. Choose a Provider: Compare providers like Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, or Free. Check if your building is fiber-optic ready (most areas in Toulouse are).
  2. Sign Up: Visit the provider’s website or store to sign up for a package.
  3. Required Documents:
    • Proof of identity (passport or ID card).
    • Proof of address (rental contract or utility bill).
    • Bank details (RIB).
  4. Installation: Installation can take 1–3 weeks. Some providers offer self-installation kits for faster setup.

Waste Collection and Recycling

  • Waste collection is automatically managed by Toulouse Métropole. You do not need to set up a separate account.
  • Recycling bins (yellow for recyclables, green for general waste) are provided by the municipality. Check the collection schedule for your neighborhood on the Toulouse Métropole website.

4. Required Documents

To set up utilities in Toulouse, you will typically need the following:

  • Proof of Identity: Passport, national ID card, or residence permit.
  • Proof of Address: Rental contract (bail) or property deed.
  • Bank Details (RIB): A French bank account is required for direct debit payments.
  • Meter Readings: For electricity, gas, and water.

5. Payment Methods

  • Direct Debit (Prélèvement Automatique): The most common and convenient method.
  • Online Payment: Via the provider’s website or app.
  • Bank Transfer: Using your French bank account.
  • Check (Chèque): Less common but still accepted by some providers.
  • In-Person Payment: At the provider’s office or authorized payment points.

6. Local Considerations and Tips

  • Energy Efficiency: Many older buildings in Toulouse have poor insulation, which can increase heating costs in winter. Look for properties with double-glazed windows or modern heating systems.
  • Off-Peak Electricity Rates: Consider a contract with off-peak rates (heures creuses) to save money on electricity.
  • Recycling Rules: Toulouse has strict recycling guidelines. Ensure you separate recyclables (paper, plastic, metal) from general waste.
  • Internet Speed: Fiber-optic internet is widely available in Toulouse, but some older buildings may still rely on ADSL. Confirm availability with your provider.
  • Shared Meters: In some older apartment buildings, water or heating may be shared. Check with your landlord if these costs are included in your rent.
  • Customer Service: Most utility providers offer customer service in French. If you’re not fluent, consider asking a French-speaking friend to assist you or use online translation tools.

7. Emergency Contacts

  • Electricity Outage: Call Enedis at 09 72 67 50 31 (Toulouse-specific).
  • Gas Emergency: Call GRDF at 0 800 47 33 33.
  • Water Issues: Contact Eau de Toulouse Métropole at 05 61 201 201.
  • Internet Issues: Contact your provider’s customer service hotline.

By following this guide, you should be able to set up and manage your utilities in Toulouse with ease. If you have further questions or need assistance with a specific provider, feel free to ask!