Selling a property involves closing the energy contracts linked to the address before handing over the keys. The electricity or gas contract is tied to a delivery point and the name of the occupant, not to the property itself. As long as the termination is not effective, the seller remains liable for the consumption recorded on the meter.
Meter reading on the day of the sale: a friction point to anticipate
The National Energy Mediator has reported since 2023 an increase in disputes related to meter readings during the sale of a property. The disputes concern consumption billed to the seller that occurred after their departure. This type of disagreement is difficult to resolve retrospectively.
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The most reliable solution remains the joint meter reading on the day of signing the authentic deed. The seller and buyer together note the reading displayed on each meter (electricity and gas), then each keeps a dated and signed copy. This document serves as proof in case of disagreement with the supplier.
With a communicating meter like Linky or Gazpar, the reading is automatically transmitted to the supplier. Remote reading simplifies the process, but it does not exempt from verifying that the reading retained by the supplier corresponds to that of the day of the sale. A delay of a few days can represent a significant amount during the heating season.
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Before contacting the supplier to request closure, the procedure for terminating the EDF contract during the sale requires transmitting this recorded reading, along with the exact date of key handover.
Termination of electricity and gas contracts: deadlines and practical arrangements
The termination of an energy contract for an individual is free and without a duration commitment on standard offers. Most suppliers require a notice period of a few days but accept a specific termination date if communicated in advance.
The seller must terminate their contracts themselves. The buyer cannot do it on their behalf, and the notary has no obligation to handle it. The initiative therefore entirely falls to the outgoing owner.
To initiate the termination, three elements are necessary:
- The delivery point number (PDL for electricity, PCE for gas), printed on each bill or accessible from the supplier’s customer area
- The desired contract end date, which ideally corresponds to the day of signing at the notary or key handover
- The consumption reading recorded on that date, or confirmation that the communicating meter will automatically transmit the reading
The request can be made online, by phone, or by mail depending on the suppliers. The closure bill is generally issued within a few weeks.
Multi-year fixed-price offers: a special case
Since the energy crisis of 2022, some alternative suppliers have tightened the conditions for early termination on fixed-price offers that commit for several years. Early termination fees may apply to these specific contracts. Before signing a sales agreement, it is useful to check the general conditions of the contract to avoid unexpected costs at the time of closure.
Energy contract of the new owner: what happens on the buyer’s side
As soon as the seller terminates, the delivery point goes into “cut off” or “pending” status. The buyer must subscribe to their own energy contract for electricity and gas to be activated in their name.
If the buyer delays in subscribing, two situations arise:
- On a Linky or Gazpar meter, the outgoing supplier may cut off the supply remotely a few days after termination, leaving the buyer without energy upon arrival
- On a traditional meter, electricity may remain active for a certain period without any contract being attached, generating unallocated consumption and risks of retroactive billing
The buyer has the free choice of their supplier. They are not obliged to take the same one as the previous owner. The activation is billed by the network manager (Enedis for electricity, GRDF for gas), regardless of the chosen commercial supplier.
Timing strategy between sales agreement and authentic deed
Terminating too early exposes the seller to an energy cut while they still occupy the property. Terminating too late makes them liable for the consumption of the new owner. The termination date must coincide with the effective handover of the keys.
The end of the gas tariff shield and the evolution of regulated electricity prices add a financial dimension to this timeline. A seller who terminates an old contract benefiting from a protected rate may find themselves facing less advantageous commercial offers for their new property. Coordinating the termination date with the subscription at the new residence helps avoid a period without a contract where the available pricing conditions may have changed.
The sales agreement generally mentions a provisional date for signing the authentic deed. This date serves as a reference for planning the termination. Contacting the supplier one to two weeks in advance is sufficient in most cases to schedule the closure on the exact desired day.
A often overlooked point remains the coordination between seller and buyer. A direct exchange on the desired activation date by the buyer avoids any ambiguity and any period without a contract linked to the meter. This simple discussion, often facilitated by the notary or real estate agent, reduces the risk of disputes over transitional consumption.