France prepares for major power outages in large regions of the country

French authorities are planning on a scenario and how to best inform residents of the affected areas

France is preparing for any eventuality in the energy sector during the winter months and to this end, the government will send a circular to the prefectures regarding what they should do in the event of power outages in their regions.

According to a report in the French daily Le Monde, a working case involves the possibility of major electricity cuts if it is deemed necessary, which could result in power shutdowns between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. and between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. in some regions of the country.

However, even in this scenario for 40% of its population in France, there will never be any interruption of the electricity supply, the publication says. However, it is pointed out that if there are outages in entire regions, then the transport sectors – mainly rail, but also mobile telephony – would undoubtedly be affected.

The report publishes a map of the areas potentially impacted by electricity cuts, saying that residents of these areas will be warned a day in advance.