The Local France

Why are electricity prices in France set to jump (yet) again?

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 15:16:59 +0200

After just a brief reprieve, electricity prices in France are set to jump once again in August. So, why is this happening?

Blackout: Stork leaves 3,000 French villagers without power

Fri, 24 Aug 2018 15:03:05 +0200

Around 1,700 households in eight towns near Paris have been left without electricity after a stork caused a short-circuit on the line.

French told to save power as cold snap threatens electricity supply

Tue, 17 Jan 2017 10:42:46 +0100

Sub-zero temperatures are arriving in France from Russia and there are concerns that the cold weather will lead to power cuts around the country.

Did a ship's anchor knock out power between the UK and France?

Thu, 01 Dec 2016 09:21:01 +0100

Britain's National Grid electricity network said on Wednesday it was investigating whether a ship dropping anchor during recent storms knocked out half the power links between Britain and France.

EDF finance chief quits over British nuclear plant plan

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 10:29:46 +0100

French energy giant EDF confirmed on Monday that its finance chief had resigned, a day after a source said he stepped down over a disagreement about a project to build Britain's first new nuclear power plant in decades.

Germany demands France shut old nuclear plant

Fri, 04 Mar 2016 17:54:16 +0100

Germany demanded on Friday that France close its oldest nuclear power plant, but France said it saw "no reason" to do so.

Swiss sue French over 'dangerous' nuclear plant

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 14:50:45 +0100

The Swiss canton and city of Geneva have lodged a legal complaint against France's Bugey nuclear power plant.

French pensioner cuts off power to Spain

Tue, 23 Jun 2015 12:12:19 +0200

A French pensioner's risky political protest had unexpected consequences on Tuesday after his decision to climb up a high-voltage pylon saw a power company shutting down electricity supplies to Spain.

Violent storms hit south-eastern France

Thu, 24 Oct 2013 11:28:00 +0200

Homes were evacuated, electricity cut off and roads blocked in parts of south-eastern France on Wednesday as violent storms caused flooding in the department of Drôme.

France set for sharp rise in electricity prices

Tue, 09 Jul 2013 14:47:00 +0200

The price of electricity in France is set for a steep five-percent rise in August, followed by a further increase of five-percent at the same time next year, France’s new environment minister announced on Tuesday.

Energy law sees City of Light set for dark nights

Mon, 01 Jul 2013 18:30:00 +0200

Paris, or the City of Light as it is known, will never again look the same at night after a new nationwide law comes into effect on Monday which forces shops and other buildings to switch off their lights every evening, in a bid to save energy.

France reconsiders stake in semi-state giants

Mon, 06 May 2013 14:01:00 +0200

France may sell some of its stakes in several large semi-state bodies such as Air France and SNCF, in order to pave the way for future investment, French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault has announced.

Snow causes travel chaos in northern France

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:31:00 +0100

Heavy snow and icy conditions caused travel chaos across northern France and Paris on Tuesday, leading to the cancellation of Eurostar trains and numerous other rail services. The president has called for 'exceptional measures'.

Electricity bills in France set to rocket

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:38:00 +0100

Consumers in France are bracing themselves for a projected 30% 'explosion' in electricity bills over the next five years. A significant chunk of the increase is due to a doubling of the contribution to renewable energy.

Electrician faces sack for not cutting off the poor

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:51:00 +0100

French energy company ErDF is considering firing a technician because he refused to cut the power in poor households.