The risk of the network being energized, during the winter and in particular at the start of 2023, is considered high by the electricity transmission network operator (RTE). To cope, load shedding may be implemented locally.
Relieving the network by temporarily cutting off electricity is the state’s last resort for this winter, particularly at the start of 2023. The electricity transmission system operator (RTE) and the government prepare for possible load shedding.
However, this unprecedented situation raises many organizational questions, even if the cuts will be temporary – two hours maximum – and announced in advance.
Priority to the right and reduced speed
First, if the electricity is cut in certain areas, what about road traffic? The traffic lights could temporarily no longer be powered, which complicates traffic. “The traffic lights, it depends on the place,” said government spokesman Olivier Véran.
The complexity of electrical networks does not mean that all cities will not have traffic lights in the event of load shedding. The situation may vary depending on the area and the prefects are thus called upon to recommend that the French limit their movements during the two hours of cut-off.
However, in such a situation, “it is absolutely necessary to respect the signs and apply the rule of priority to the right, with a reduced speed”, explains to BFTMV Dominique Renard, driving instructor.
In addition, public lighting will not be spared either, which can also affect travel and traffic.
Train traffic may be suspended
The case of train traffic is also particularly delicate for the authorities. The latter are connected to an independent network and are not at risk of power cuts. On the other hand, the supply of stations, level crossings or signaling could be affected.
“We will not take the risk of trains being blocked for two hours on the full track due to signaling defects, for example. This is why, in the event of a cut, the circulation of trains will be suspended”, specifies a government source. .
The government does not wish to take any risk on the rail network in the event of load shedding and announces that it prefers to shift the trains if necessary.
“Being stuck in the subway for two hours is not an option”
For public transport, in cities in particular, the government has asked the prefects to examine “the effective capacity to circulate on their entire route, during load shedding hours, suburban trains, metros or trams”.
“For example, the Paris metro network has its own electricity network, so it is not concerned”, specifies Olivier Véran.
Otherwise, the circulation of public transport will be interrupted before the start of the power cut – communicated upstream – and for its entire duration.
“Either it goes from start to finish, or we will prefer to interrupt two hours, because being stuck in the metro for two hours is not an option”, adds a government source