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France to build more reactors as nuclear prioritised
At least six new reactors and potentially as many as 14 could be built to meet climate change goals
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France revamps energy renovation grants scheme to boost take-up
MaPrimeRénov’ rules for homeowners and tradespeople to become simpler after applications plummet
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You do not have to pay ‘catch-up’ French energy bills if sent too late
There is a set period in which ‘regularisation’ bills must be delivered
Power-hungry vacuum cleaners banned
New vacuum cleaners of more than 900W and noisier than 80decibels are no longer allowed in France in a move to cut energy wastage.
Officials say that across the EU vacuums use twice as much power per year as the French train network.
A previous ban limiting vacuums to 1,600W in 2014 has been credited with improving efficiency and cleaning performance. Tests by the consumer group 60 Millions de Consommateurs found 900W machines cleaned as well as the larger and noisier ones.
The ban, in force across the EU, also limits dust emissions to 1% and says motors must have a minimum 500 hours of life.
