“We are already recording a daily reduction of 5% in our electricity consumption,” said Olivier Véran on leaving the Council of Ministers. “The French are therefore sensitive to the sobriety plan, as are companies and obviously the State”, he then welcomed.
Limit the temperature of its indoor heating, promote carpooling… The State has proposed various measures to encourage individuals to save energy. Rules are also in force for communities, businesses, etc. In particular, not to heat buildings above 19 degrees. Or even limit public lighting.
FAKE OFF
Olivier Véran is right on one point, electricity consumption is indeed falling. the electrical transmission network (RTE), announced a drop of 6.4% over the last 30 days, compared to previous years 2014-2019, excluding the health crisis. A slight increase moreover over the last week, where this drop in French electricity consumption (restated for weather and calendar effects) rose to 6.7%.
But where the government spokesperson is mistaken is that this drop is not, for the most part, due to ordinary French citizens, who would make significant efforts in their daily lives. The decline is in fact largely attributable to large industry.
Thursday, December 1st on France Info, Xavier Piechaczyk, the chairman of the executive board of RTE specified: “Today, France consumes approximately -6% compared to a normal year. I specify that it is -6% corrected for the weather. It is essentially driven by big industry which has limited its production. »
Piechaczyk then explained: “For several reasons: firstly because electricity is very expensive, so companies are lowering their process. There are also industrial sectors that have supply difficulties. I am thinking of the automobile industry. The fall in large industry is around -15%, and that is what is pulling French consumption down. »
Asked about the consumption of individuals, Xavier Piechaczyk all the same specified that the consumption of individuals is starting to fall, advancing a reduction “of the order of one percent”. He also pointed out that “we don’t see a decline in the service sector. These are office buildings. Businesses need to get involved.”