Electricity and Gas

The French government partially privatised its utilities, Gaz de France (GDF) and Electricité de France (EDF), as two separate companies. 

Many countryside houses have central heating systems that use fuel oil, chauffage au fioul. You must set up a contract with a private supplier for regular deliveries. Many of the large supermarkets operate such services. 
You can find your local EDF office through the phone book or online. Call for general enquires at Tel: 08 10 12 61 26 (local rate). Service can generally be established within 48 hours.

You can find your local Gaz de France office through the phone book or online . phone Call for general enquiries at Tel: 08 10 14 01 50 (local rate). Service can generally be established within 48 hours presuming the gas line is already in place.

A 24-hour repair number, dépannage, for both services is indicated on both bills.

Electricity costs less at specific overnight hours, les heures creuses; les heures pleines means the more expensive daytime hours. You'll see consumption broken into both categories on your bill. You may also be eligible for tax deductions if you install certain kinds of water heaters; check with GDF for details.

The French domestic electrical current is 220 volts AC. All modern sockets and plugs are three-pin. If you are arriving with appliances from the UK, you are likely to need an adaptor and, in the case of appliances from North America, a transformer.

If you're buying new appliances after arriving, note the étiquette énergie; those labelled 'A' are the most economical.

Water

Water is delivered by private companies who sign contracts with local authorities; call your town hall, mairie, to find the designated supplier for your area. Your water bill is calculated by the number of cubic metres of water consumed. Rates vary enormously and can sometimes be expensive; most companies bill only once or twice a year.

French people usually opt for bottled drinking water mostly for reasons of taste. Domestic supplies are potable. During the past two years of drought, many préfectures have imposed water restrictions and breaking them can incur a fine.

Rubbish collection

Rubbish collection is organised by the mairie, which can tell you the days the rubbish collectors pass and, if necessary, how to contact the company.

Homeowners pay for service through the annual trash removal tax, taxe d'enlèvement des ordures ménagères. Renters usually pay through the form of charges or communal upkeep fees, but occasionally pay directly as well.

In Paris, rubbish collection is daily, but in small towns it is often only a couple of times per week. In all cases, rubbish is collected from outside your residence and bins should be placed in the street the night before. The local authorities provide the plastic 'wheely' bins free of charge.

All apartment buildings have a bin area. In large buildings it is the caretaker, gardien or concierge, who looks after the collection.

Recycling of cardboard paper waste, glass and plastic is widespread, but depends on the local authorities to provide recycling bins, which can be found in most neighbourhoods and shopping centres. Some towns also provide 'curbside' recycling for some items; ask your mairie for details.

It is illegal to dispose of dangerous substances, including batteries and motor oil, in domestic bins. Most supermarkets, and every town hall, have used-battery bins. A full list of collection points can be found at the mairie.

Nearly every town organises a regular collection of large domestic throw-outs, from old chairs to TVs, les objets encombrants. You can also drive to the local rubbish tips, décharge. Lastly, dispose of unused medicines at any chemist shop.