France could experience strong tensions on its electricity network from October, which could extend for the next six months, according to RTE. The European Union, for its part, wants to raise awareness among the population, for a reduction in bills.
Cross-communication this Wednesday between the manager of the French Electricity Transport Network (RTE), who shares a ” increased risk on the French network from next month, and the European Commission which calls, among other proposals, citizens to reduce their consumption. Autumn promises to be long and costly, but the objective is common: to avoid cuts at all costs.
A consumption alert launched, before a sharp rise in prices in 2023
The situation is not catastrophic, but it is sufficiently worrying for the general alert so dear to Commissioner Gilbert to be pronounced. As part of the presentation of its forecast study for the coming winter, RTE explains that the period of vigilance begins ” exceptionally in the fall, and that it will last several months. This is not the most encouraging news, especially on the day when Elisabeth Borne has just announced an increase in electricity prices which could go up to 15% in 2023!
RTE adds that the risk of outages cannot be ruled out, but that it can be avoided by a reduction in consumption that the manager estimates between 1 and 5% in its mild scenario, and of… 15% in the most severe scenario. extreme. Heating, lighting and cooking are accessible means of controlling consumption.
When it comes to when we will all have to slow down this fall and winter, RTE tells us that “ the vast majority of high-risk situations occur in the morning between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. and in the evening between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. They would not concern whole days or weekends “. Just that.
Despite this discourse that is as sensitizing as it is alarmist, RTE maintains that ” France does not run a risk of a blackout, i.e. a total loss of control of the electricity system “.
Brussels wants to oblige member states to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours
The European Commission wants to push the European energy markets to react, to mitigate the spectacular price increases, largely due to a dissonance between demand and supply, in a context where Russia exploits its resources energy.
First and foremost, Brussels wants a drop in demand and proposes imposing an obligation on member states to reduce electricity consumption by at least 5% during certain peak price hours. Each state will then have to determine the highest time slots for households. ” The Commission also proposes that Member States set themselves the target of reducing overall electricity demand by at least 10% until 31 March 2023 “, adds the European authority.
Another measure proposed by the Commission: the temporary cap on revenues for so-called “inframarginal” electricity producers, which include those who produce renewable energies or those who use nuclear and lignite, with a lower electricity price at the price level set by so-called “marginal” producers, who are more expensive. Brussels is proposing to set the ceiling for inframarginal revenues at 180 euros/MWh. Revenues above the ceiling will then be collected by governments directly, which must use them to help consumers lower their bills.
Sources: European Commission, RTE
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