Where to Find the PDL of Your Student Electricity Meter?

Just Moved In or Changing Electricity Supplier? Here’s How to Find Your PDL or PRM Number. Have you just moved into your new place or want to switch electricity providers? You’re being asked for your PDL (Point De Livraison) or PRM (Point Référence Mesure), but don’t know where to find it? No worries—we’re here to help.

What Is the PRM / PDL?

The PDL, or Point De Livraison, is a unique 14-digit identifier that corresponds to your electricity meter and its exact address on the Enedis distribution network (formerly ERDF).
Think of it as your electricity meter’s ID card.

What Is It Used For?

The PRM or PDL is used to:

• Uniquely identify your electricity meter, especially when multiple homes share the same address (e.g., apartment buildings, student residences).
  
  
• Subscribe to an electricity contract with a supplier.
  
  
• Track your actual or estimated electricity consumption in kWh.
  
  
• Know your pricing option (peak/off-peak hours).
  
  

Change suppliers without changing your meter.

Without this number, your supplier can’t activate electricity service at your address.
It’s also essential for billing, tracking usage, and meter readings.

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Where to Find the PRM or PDL?

Before subscribing to an electricity contract, you need to identify your PDL (or PRM if your home has a smart Linky meter). This number is necessary so your supplier can identify your meter and link it to your home.

There are two situations :

1️⃣ You’re Moving into a New Home

Don’t have an active electricity contract yet? Here’s how to find your PDL:

• Check an old electricity bill for the property (available through the real estate agency, previous tenant, or landlord).
  
  
• If that’s not possible, contact your electricity supplier (or Enedis) with the full address and the meter number (visible on the box, if accessible). They’ll help you retrieve the PDL.
  
  

If it's a Linky smart meter, press the “+” button until “PRM number” appears on the screen.

2️⃣ You’re Changing Suppliers

Already have an active contract? Your PDL (or PRM) appears:

• On your electricity bill, usually under “Your bill” or “Meter reference”.
  
  
• On the digital screen of your Linky meter.
  
  
• In your online account, under “My contract” or “My meter” section.
  
  

For more info, check our article: How to Subscribe to an EDF Contract as a Student.

💡 Good to know :
The PDL never changes, even if you switch suppliers or contracts. It’s a fixed number that identifies the meter—not the customer.

The Linky Meter: The New Standard

Since 2015, Enedis has been rolling out the Linky smart meter throughout France. This next-generation meter is replacing older electromechanical and electronic models.

This rollout is why the term PRM has replaced PDL for Linky meters.

Who Uses Linky Today?

As of 2025, more than 35 million French households—over 90% of homes connected to the Enedis network—are equipped with a Linky meter.

So, if you’ve just moved in, chances are your home has one too.

Can You Refuse a Linky Meter?

No. Connection to the electricity grid now requires the smart meter, which is owned by Enedis.
Since 2021, refusing Linky installation is no longer allowed, even if some households initially objected. Enedis is legally authorized to replace old meters as part of grid modernization.

If you still refuse, you may incur fees:

• Enedis can charge you for manual meter readings (up to €61/year).
  

Refusing access to the meter may be considered obstruction of service, possibly leading to penalties or service disruption.

Advantages of the Linky Meter

• Automatic transmission of your electricity consumption data—no technician needed.
  
  
• Faster service activation (often within 24 hours).
  
  
• Simplified meter readings—the PRM is directly visible on the screen.
  
  
• Real-time tracking via your supplier’s app.
  
  

How to Find the PRM on a Linky Meter

• Press the “+” button under the screen several times.
  
  
• Stop when you see “PRM” followed by a 14-digit number.
  
  
• This number must be provided to your supplier to activate your contract.
  
  

💡 Good to know :
The PRM plays the same role as the PDL—it’s your meter’s unique ID.

So, What’s the Difference Between PDL and PRM?

• PDL = Point de livraison, used for older meters.
  
  
• PRM = Point de référence mesure, used for Linky smart meters.
  

That said, they serve the same function: enabling your electricity provider to identify a specific meter.

In Shared Housing (Colocation), How Does the PDL Work?

Moving into shared accommodation? It’s the same process: every home has only one PDL or PRM number, even if there are multiple roommates.

This number is essential to:

• Activate electricity at your shared address (if no contract is in place).
  
  
• Change providers to get a better rate or service adapted to shared living.
  

For all the specific steps, see our guide: How to Subscribe to an EDF Contract in a Shared Apartment.

💡 Colocation Tip :
Choose a “lead roommate” to manage the contract, but some suppliers allow splitting the bill between roommates.