Individual electricity meters for boaters in Brest: what you need to know

In response to the growing need for better management of energy resources in ports, Brest is preparing to install individual meters for yachtsmen. The aim of this initiative is to give each user a sense of responsibility by enabling them to monitor and adjust their electricity consumption. In this article, find out why this measure is being introduced, who is affected, and how it will impact both resident and non-resident boaters.

Why install individual electricity meters for boaters?

The installation of individual meters for yachtsmen in Brest's ports is part of a drive to better manage energy consumption.

Thanks to these meters, each yachtsman will be able to monitor and adjust his consumption according to his real needs. Everyone becomes responsible for their own use, which encourages more eco-responsible behaviour.

This measure is part of a wider drive to reduce environmental impact. The unplugging campaign carried out earlier this year has already reduced energy consumption by 15%. By giving everyone greater control over their energy use, individual meters will reinforce this momentum.

This initiative is also in line with the Clean and Active for Biodiversity Harbours certification. It aims to reduce the port's environmental footprint while ensuring sustainable management of energy resources.

Which yachtsmen are affected by the installation of individual electricity meters?

The new individual meters will be installed from the 1st of October, mainly for resident boaters in Brest's ports.

Resident yachtsmen are those who :

• have a contract with and are domiciled at the harbour and/or,
• stay on board their boat for more than one month a year.

These boaters, who are more present in the port, are the ones who use the most energy.

Harbour staff will install and seal the meters directly onto the yachtsmen's extension leads. Each meter must remain permanently accessible for consumption readings, which will be taken every 15th of the month.

If a yachtsman leaves on a cruise and stays in another port, he will be able to break the seal and replace it on his return. Each yachtsman will receive five seals per year, and will be able to obtain more if necessary by visiting the harbour office.

This installation will enable better management of electricity consumption, while ensuring that yachtsmen are autonomous in their use of energy.

Operation and billing: what you need to know

The installation of individual electricity meters will begin with a test period, from October to December 2024, during which no billing will be applied. This period will allow boaters to adapt to the new system and adjust their consumption habits.

From January 2025, a flat rate of 200 kWh per year will be included in the contract of each resident boater. This package is designed to cover everyday needs such as recharging batteries or powering a fridge before a cruise. Any consumption in excess of this flat rate will be billed at the actual purchase price of the electricity.

Billing will be quarterly, based on consumption readings taken every 15th of the month. An operating charge of €5 per month will also be added to each invoice to cover the costs of maintaining and managing the meters.

It is important that boaters manage their consumption independently and comply with the rules on disconnection when away from their boat. A connected meter will henceforth be interpreted as a presence on board. Failure to comply with these rules may result in penalties.

What are the alternatives to individual electricity meters for non-resident yachtsmen?

Non-resident yachtsmen, i.e. those who do not stay in the port for more than one month a year or who do not have a domiciled contract, will not benefit from individual meters. However, alternative solutions have been put in place to meet their occasional electricity needs.

If you need to plug in your boat to recharge batteries, power a fridge before a cruise or carry out work on board, you can obtain a special label from the harbour office. This label will allow you to plug in your boat for 24 hours, renewable on request.

In addition to this temporary solution, we strongly encourage non-resident yachtsmen to consider alternative energy solutions, such as installing solar panels or wind turbines on board. These technologies offer greater energy autonomy and help to reduce the environmental impact of each yachtsman.

The installation of individual meters in Brest's ports marks an important step towards more sustainable and responsible energy management. Whether you are a resident or not, these new measures aim to better meet the specific needs of each individual while reducing the overall environmental impact. By adopting these practices, boaters are actively helping to preserve resources while managing their energy consumption more independently. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact the harbour office, which will be happy to help you make the transition.