Deployed since 2015, the Linky counter transformed the management of the electricity network into France, reducing the operating costs of Enedis and facilitating the integration of renewable energies. Presented as a lever for efficiency and innovation, its funding and economic benefits remain at the heart of the analyzes. The Court of Auditors has looked at the real financial challenges of the system, highlighting mechanisms that benefit above all the network manager, while consumers are still struggling to perceive the benefits.
An intelligent counter that optimizes network management
From its launch, the Linky counter was presented as a technological advance to optimize the management of the electrical network. Thanks to its features, it simplifies the monitoring of consumption, limits physical interventions and improves reactivity in the face of incidents. Its objective is to modernize the sector while facilitating the exploitation of infrastructure.
The deployment program, launched in 2015 and piloted by Enedis, has respected deadlines while mastering costs. The Court of Auditors indicates that the initial budget of 5 billion euros was revised at 4.6 billion. This reduction is explained by savings on the purchase and installation of meters.
Beyond its rapid deployment, Linky improves knowledge of the electricity network. It detects anomalies faster and prevents breakdowns. By optimizing the delivery of electricity, especially in times of high demand, it contributes to the energy transition. It also facilitates the integration of renewable energies and reduces technical losses.
A financial windfall for Enedis
If the Linky counter modernized network management, consumers are not the first beneficiaries. Enedis mainly benefits from the automation of statements and technical interventions. The company has thus reduced its operating costs, according to Jeuxvideo.com.
One of the main savings concerns the succession of meters. Before Linky, this task required the movement of home technicians, an expensive and restrictive process. The new system performs remote statements, thus generating an estimated savings at 120 million euros per year.
Now, technicians remotely carry out current operations, such as commissioning, modification of power or power cut. Enedis thus avoids thousands of physical interventions each year, reducing its logistical costs as much.
In addition, the economic model set up by the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) has favored Enedis. The Court of Auditors emphasizes that the conditions of remuneration for Linky assets are particularly advantageous. Enedis benefits from a guaranteed remuneration rate over 20 years, higher than that usually applied to network infrastructure.
Finally, the company takes advantage of the data collected by Linky meters. This precious information allows it to optimize its investments and anticipate the needs of the network, further strengthening its competitive advantage.
Consumers: big forgotten?
Despite these substantial gains, consumers have not found a drop in their electricity bills. The Court of Auditors explains this phenomenon by several factors.
On the one hand, the savings made by Enedis were absorbed by the delayed tariff mechanism. This device, put in place to avoid an immediate increase in transport prices, repels over time the redistribution of profits to users. In other words, consumers are funding investment today, without seeing the immediate benefits.
On the other hand, the electricity prices in France are strictly regulated by CRE. However, current regulation does not provide an automatic drop in prices according to the savings made by Enedis. These gains are rather reinvested in improving the network, in particular to strengthen resilience with climatic hazards and integrate more renewable energies.
Finally, the Court of Auditors points the lack of commercial innovation around Linky. The counter was supposed to encourage dynamic tariff offers and allow consumers to adapt their consumption according to electricity prices. In practice, these offers remain marginal, and the majority of users continue to opt for fixed or regulated prices.
If Linky represents an undeniable technological advance, its financial impact therefore remains unequally distributed. Enedis derives immediate profits, while consumers will have to wait several years before perceiving the concrete effects.
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
