Meet JL Electric: A British Electrician Lighting Up The French Riviera

Jonathan Lomas

What inspired you to start JL Electric here in Villefranche-sur-Mer?

I moved to the South of France, just outside Monaco, when I was 23. My partner had a job opportunity here, and I came along for the ride. I didn’t speak a word of French and quickly realized getting a normal job wasn’t going to be easy. So I started working with local English-speaking tradesmen, took on whatever I could find, and advertised online. Word spread (as it does in the expat world), and eventually I had enough clients to go out on my own. I officially launched JL Electric in 2015, and this year we’re celebrating 10 years in business. Not bad for someone who landed here with a toolbox and a vague plan.

What kind of electrical services do you specialize in across the French Riviera?

We do a bit of everything, residential and commercial electrical work, from full home rewires to smart home systems, lighting design, underfloor heating, CCTV, alarms, Wi-Fi networks, mains upgrades—you name it. We also handle EDF liaison (yes, we’ll deal with the paperwork so you don’t have to) and can provide full electrical design packages for renovations or new builds. Basically, if it’s got wires, we’ll sort it.

Can you tell us about one of your most memorable or challenging projects?

One of the biggest early jobs was up in Valberg, in the Alps, two unfinished chalets. Taking over someone else’s half-done work is always fun (mildly terrifying), but I saw it through. The second one was a 13-bedroom luxury chalet, which became a two-year marathon. It was tough but also a major milestone. The kind of job that forces you to level up pretty quickly.

What sets JL Electric apart from other electricians on the Côte d’Azur?

We actually turn up. That might sound like a low bar, but it’s surprisingly rare. We’re known for being reliable, honest, and doing a proper job. No cutting corners, no disappearing halfway through. I also think being bilingual helps, we can speak both languages and understand the nuances of both cultures, which is important down here. A lot of our work is with international clients, and they appreciate someone who understands where they’re coming from.

What’s your favourite thing about working in homes along the coast—from Menton to St Tropez?

Honestly? The views. I’ve worked in some ridiculous properties such as clifftop villas, beachfront homes, penthouses with private lifts. One place even had a car lift that brought the car up into the living room. I love working in high-end Riviera homes, it’s a chance to blend high spec with real attention to detail. And I get to do it with the Med as my backdrop. Beats working in the rain in Wigan.

Any funny stories or lessons learned from being a British electrician in France?

Never trust the wire colours. Ever. French wiring is full of surprises. I once found lead rope wiring running through sockets and light fittings in an 80-year-old apartment on Boulevard Victor Hugo. I’ve seen it all, plenty of dodgy DIY jobs, random wires going nowhere, systems held together with duct tape and blind faith. Keeps me on my toes.

What do new homeowners or expats often overlook when it comes to electrical safety?

People assume things work the same way here as back home, but they don’t. In France, there’s no requirement for electrical safety certificates when selling a home (unless it’s a new build or full reno). That means you could be buying a place with 40-year-old electrics and no one’s obliged to tell you. That’s why I always recommend a proper electrical check before you buy. It’s like checking under the bonnet before buying a car—you might save yourself a fortune.

What are some modern upgrades or smart tech solutions you’ve been installing lately?

Smart home systems are big. We recently finished a 350m² beachfront villa in Beaulieu with full Control4 integration, touchscreens on the walls, control of everything from heating to blinds to music. We also do EV chargers, energy-efficient lighting, and clever lighting design that makes a place feel a million times better (without you knowing why). Basically, we make the house smarter so you don’t have to be.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone buying a property on the Riviera?

Location is key, that is obvious, but also be realistic about renovation costs. That dreamy fixer-upper in the hills might need rewiring from scratch, and that’s not always cheap. I always say: get it checked before you commit. We’re happy to come out and give honest feedback. 

Finally, what do you love most about JL Electric and serving this community?

It’s mine. I built it from scratch, and I still get a kick out of helping people and solving problems. Whether it’s fixing a tripped fuse or installing a full smart system, I love the variety. I also love the community here, being the go-to electrician for expats and Riviera locals alike. It’s a mad mix of people and projects, and no two days are ever the same. That’s what keeps it interesting.