Linky: why the new electric meter does not convince households

Linky has been equipping nearly one in four households since a decree made its installation compulsory. Of this total, only 3% of households accept that this communicating device automatically transmits their electrical consumption. The meter would pose health and privacy risks according to its detractors. Here is why he federates everyone against him.

Why so many people rail against Linky, the new smart health connected meter with which more than 11 million households are already equipped? In fact since the first installations, this new meter has received a large amount of criticism. Some subscribers have indeed seen their consumption increase. The Linky meter has indeed exploded the energy bill for some users. Enedis has also confirmed the existence of a dysfunction, which nevertheless remains an isolated case.

While others claim that the energy measurement technology of this meter generates strong magnetic fields that can pose a health risk, others claim that the Linky meter overheats and generates a foul odor. Some of its detractors fear finally for their private life, this meter being able to transmit in real time the information on the electric consumption of the households.

In November 2018, Linky was involved in yet another fire, the owner of a butcher shop even filed a complaint against Enedis, who continues to deny the accusations against him. During an incident in Loiret, the company said that a " electric meter cannot explode or ignite spontaneously ”.

Linky: why the electric meter does not convince households

What cause a real revolt both on the internet and on the territories. A study cited by our colleagues from Les Echos states that 38% of households equipped say not or not at all satisfied. Anti-Linky groups have multiplied on Facebook. Almost everywhere, municipalities are trying to prevent their installation. Above all, even when installed, the meter is only very rarely used to its full potential. The National Commission for Data Protection (Cnil) had in fact set up some safeguards for the transmission of data. Like the obligation for suppliers to obtain user consent.

As a result, of the 11 million Linky users, only 3% have authorized the automated transmission of their data. For their part, the promoters of this new counter defend its qualities.

By analyzing the data, local authorities could indeed better identify the efforts to be made on a particular building in terms of energy efficiency. As for health hazards, the National Health Security Agency (ANSES) considers the risk very low. The same goes for a new independent study commissioned by the mayor of Blagnac. The waves generated by Linky would not be powerful enough to be dangerous, estimate the statements.

Under these conditions, nothing stops the deployment of the smart health connected meter in France, despite the proliferation of anti-Linky collectives. By the end of 2018, Enedis wants to install up to 15 million smart health connected meters. By the end of 2021, 35 million Linky, one per French household, will be settled in France.

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