Power use hits historical high

On 7th February 2012 power consumption in France hit an historical high. Copyright RTE.

Energy consumption registered a record high of 100,500 megawatts at 7pm yesterday evening - the peak time when households across France were returning home and switching on electrical appliances. This figure surpassed the previous high of 96,710 megawatts recorded in December 2010.  

EDF has assured residents that despite this record high a national blackout isn’t expected. However, residents in the most at risk regions - the Alpes-Maritimes and Brittany - are urged to continue to reduce their energy consumption.

Currently, 55 departments across France remain on orange alert.

The City of Nice has led by example, switching off decorative lights, and Nice Côte d'Azur airport also did its bit to help cut consumption by running its own generators to power the runway and airport lighting. In Nice, Cannes and Menton shops and businesses were recommended to switch off external lighting, computers and machines.

According to Météo France warmer temperatures are on the way this week, with highs of 12 degrees Celsius tomorrow in the Alpes-Maritimes. However, the mercury is expected to drop again on Friday to a minimum of two degrees.

Sarah Lloyd