My husband and I recently purchased a home in Montrollet, we will only be visiting once or twice per year for the next 4 years (about a month each time) until our actual retirement.
Our realtor had promised to help us set up utilities but for some reason they are dragging their feet, I’m a little worried because the sellers who we have become “pen pals” with are anxious to stop their payments for the utilities. The sellers used the home similarly to how we would use it (vacation), they are located in Scotland and the same realtor set up the electricity and water for them 13 years ago so unfortunately they have nothing to offer in the way of advice to get this done. We have received the “Attestation”, we have the meter readings and I have been on the EDF website but I’m confused about the subscriptions they offer as they are all well above what the seller is currently paying monthly, as well, all directions say to “call” to sign up. We are in Canada. We are due to arrive for this first visit in less than 2 weeks (for a month) and I’m not really interested in sleeping in front of the fire and eating take away by candlelight until we figure this out (yes, sounds romantic but maybe for a younger person lol) Is anyone able to direct me in this situation?
Thank you for reading this far and hopefully the wealth of knowledge in this forum can shed light on this situation (pun intended)
How good is your French? You can reach EDF by phone from abroad using this number, if you’re comfortable speaking French on the phone. Otherwise you can contact them via Twitter and translate messages.
When we moved in, the house had a basic electric package so we weren’t completely without electricity, but it was something like 3kVA maximum so enough for lights, TV, etc… but not enough to use the oven, washing machine, heating, etc… at the same time. But after a quick call to EDF they remotely increased it overnight (via our Linky box).
As for the best tariff to choose, I’ll let someone who’s got a holiday home here suggest which one is the best to go for. I’m on Tarif Bleu, but that’s perhaps not the best suited if your house will be empty the majority of the year.
How far are you on the road to actually Owning the property?
Have you asked the Estate Agent/Realtor what is going on re Utilities ie “why the (perceived) delay” ?
EDIT: years ago we “camped” at first, but (like you) wouldn’t want to do that now.. why not bed/breakfast at a small hotel nearby.. eases the strain while you get things “up and running” and discovering local eateries can be a delight.
When we rented our house we set the account up online with EDF. It wasn’t too hard. Make sure you know the amount of KVA you need and have the meter number (PRL?}
The sale closed on the 26th of September and we have our “Attestation”, I heard from our realtor this morning, apparently water is set up and she’s working on the electric still…
I hope not!