Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire and EDF boss Luc Remont visited on friday Penly Location in the English Channel, where the first of eight new nuclear reactors that France plans will be built.
The government has been urging households and businesses to conserve electricity for weeks. EDF estimates that consumption in November fell by about ten percent compared to the same month last year, which is mainly due to industry. Because of high energy prices, several companies stopped production.
power outages per hour
French authorities are also preparing for possible hourly power outages in winter. A computer simulation will take place in the town halls on Friday. A crisis team that includes several ministries is currently working on the assumption of six to ten winter power outages.
They should last a maximum of two hours and reach up to six million people at the same time. Hospitals, patients who depend on electrical appliances at home, fire stations, police and various industrial sites would be exempt.