Record power peak as temps drop
Electricity consumption could hit new high over coming days in sub-zero weather
A NEW record for electricity consumption has been registered, leading to fears of blackouts in Brittany and the south east.
The peak of 89,480 megawatts came at 18.45 on Monday night according to RTE – the company that oversees the infrastructure of the national grid.
RTE expects a new record of 91,000MW to be hit tonight and Wednesday as cold temperatures continue.
A company spokesman said that for every one degree drop in temperature, electricity consumption rises 2,100MW – two times the amount of electricity used by the city of Marseille.
They warned people in the south-east and Brittany to be careful of the electricity they use as the two areas are susceptible to power cuts.
In Brittany, which only produces 7% of its own electricity, some users could receive warning via text messages or emails.
A cold front has brought snow and sub-zero temperatures to much of the country.
A spokesman for Météo France said temperatures were on average five degrees below normal for the period.
Transport has been affected across France, and school bus services have been cancelled in 16 departments. (Aisne, Côtes d'Armor, Eure-et-Loir, Ille-et-Vilaine, Indre, Indre-et-Loire, Loir-et-Cher, Loire-Atlantique, Loiret, Oise, Somme, Yonne, Cher, Eure, Orne and the Sarthe).
Drivers are urged to take care on roads and to bring previsions in case vehicles breakdown or get stuck.
