The majority of electric water heaters in France and Swiss households are controlled by the utility company (Enedis in France, SIG, RECOM, etc. in Switzerland).

The majority of electric water heaters in France and Swiss households are controlled by the utility company (Enedis in France, SIG, RECOM, etc. in Switzerland). The signal comes as a simple PLC and thus turns on the relay which turns the heater on. The advantages are a lower rate and a guaranteed 8 hours straight on-time per day.