Do the French already anticipate the efforts they will have to make during the coming winter? According to the latest forecasts of the electricity transmission network operator (RTE), electricity consumption has already been reduced in September, while during the summer it was close to the levels observed before the health crisis.
Industry is the most affected sector
As expected, the secondary sector is, despite itself, the one that is making the most important efforts with a drop of 8 to 9% in the consumption of large industrial sites connected to the public transport network. RTE explains this phenomenon “due to the economic slowdown observed in Europe and specifically due to the spectacular rise in energy prices, which has led some plants to stop or moderate their activity”.
The manager mentions in particular the gas prices that lead to their increase in those of electricity, but also the effect of anticipation, understand the fears, of market players on the supply of electricity during the winter period. “In this context, the downward movement in the industry could continue in proportions that are still difficult to assess, in particular as consumers switch to new supply contracts for 2023, based on recently observed market prices,” he underlines. RTE which also recalls the willingness of public authorities to come to the aid of SMEs and communities.
“It is still early to observe the concrete effects” of the sobriety plan
The tertiary and residential sector is also affected by this drop in consumption due to the first sobriety calls for the coming months. Above all, in September the energy sobriety plan was mentioned, while in early autumn instructions and daily gestures were already given. RTE had also quantified the benefits of these different actions, such as heating at 19 degrees, the reduction in the use of domestic hot water, the reduction of public lighting and better management of tertiary buildings.
The month of October will set the course for winter
In his report, now monthly, the director insists, however, on the decisive nature of the month of October in setting the winter trend as the first “heating month” during which certain consumption should be postponed during the day.
This measure will have a limited impact on the comfort of users who will be able to recharge their hot water tank during the rest of the off-peak hours, but “it will greatly reduce the demand for energy in the electrical system at the end of the morning plateau,” according to the document.
Source: BFM TV
