France cuts electricity consumption by 9% with energy-saving measures
Electricity consumption in France has fallen nearly seven percent in a month, latest figures show, bringing it down to nine percent lower than a normal winter.
Electricity consumption in France has fallen 6.8 percent over the past month, and 7.6 percent in the past week alone, according to official figures.
"Compared to the previous update, the downward effect is accentuated," grid operator Réseau de Transport d'Électricité (RTE) said in a statement confirming the latest fall in electricity use in France.
Living in France: How to cut your household energy use by 10% this winter
The government, meanwhile, has again urged businesses and individuals to continue efforts to reduce energy consumption to reduce the risk of blackouts this winter because of the global energy crisis and rising prices - setting a target of a 10 percent cut in energy usage over the winter.
Power demand has fallen by about nine percent compared to the pre-pandemic five-year average, RTE said, while the risk of blackouts through the rest of winter has been reduced to ‘medium’ due to increased production and reduced demand.
According to official figures, nuclear power availability exceeded 40 gigawatts (GW) on December 12th, while hydro power hit a near record peak of 16 GW in December.
"The decrease in electricity consumption is mainly carried by industry, because of rising electricity prices,” RTE said.
“Large-scale industry shows a fall of consumption similar to that of the previous week: the bearish effect at the national level is accentuated because of the contribution of other sectors.”
Some businesses have cut back on production in light of rising energy costs. A few - like glassmaker Duralex - have suspended production all together.
Mild weather at the beginning of autumn has already cut heating bills in households across the country. Heading to Christmas, temperatures in France are above seasonal norms.
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Electricity consumption in France has fallen 6.8 percent over the past month, and 7.6 percent in the past week alone, according to official figures.
"Compared to the previous update, the downward effect is accentuated," grid operator Réseau de Transport d'Électricité (RTE) said in a statement confirming the latest fall in electricity use in France.
Living in France: How to cut your household energy use by 10% this winter
The government, meanwhile, has again urged businesses and individuals to continue efforts to reduce energy consumption to reduce the risk of blackouts this winter because of the global energy crisis and rising prices - setting a target of a 10 percent cut in energy usage over the winter.
Power demand has fallen by about nine percent compared to the pre-pandemic five-year average, RTE said, while the risk of blackouts through the rest of winter has been reduced to ‘medium’ due to increased production and reduced demand.
According to official figures, nuclear power availability exceeded 40 gigawatts (GW) on December 12th, while hydro power hit a near record peak of 16 GW in December.
"The decrease in electricity consumption is mainly carried by industry, because of rising electricity prices,” RTE said.
“Large-scale industry shows a fall of consumption similar to that of the previous week: the bearish effect at the national level is accentuated because of the contribution of other sectors.”
Some businesses have cut back on production in light of rising energy costs. A few - like glassmaker Duralex - have suspended production all together.
Mild weather at the beginning of autumn has already cut heating bills in households across the country. Heading to Christmas, temperatures in France are above seasonal norms.
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