More deals as Linky logs on in 15m homes
Alternative electricity offers have been multiplying as Linky 鈥渟mart鈥� meters are installed in more homes.
More than 15 million homes now have the meters, which allow detailed, real-time monitoring of people鈥檚 electricity use, and all should be fitted by 2021.
Sylvain le Falher, co-founder of energy comparison site , said Linky allows for new offers which can give large savings, especially for people with varied use times.
He said: 鈥淭here are weekend offers for people who mostly use their energy then. In some cases, such as for second homes, it can be interesting.
鈥淭here are also offers with different rates for summer and winter. Or Direct Energie has an heures super creuses [super off-peak] offer, for use at night.
鈥淚f you heat your water and charge your car overnight, it can make a big difference.
鈥淚f half of your consumption was in that period you could save 20% compared to being on EDF鈥檚 regulated tariff.鈥�
The meters have attracted criticism over health risks, data protection and their funding.
Consumers report increased marketing, including cold calls, from energy firms but Mr le Falher said this is likely to be from their own suppliers, proposing a switch to a new tariff.
However consumer group UFC-Que Choisir warns against strong selling tactics of Engie.
One advantage of Linky is that bills relate to real usage, not an estimate based on earlier readings during visits to your home.
