France: French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne urged company officials to reduce their consumption on Monday after warning about the possibility of energy rationing this winter.

At a meeting near Paris on Monday, Bourne warned members of the French trade organization Medef that "we can risk shortages if we act collectively, but not unless everyone participates". And if all the worst-case scenarios come together we can be forced to cut back on consumers."

Companies will be affected the most by rationing and sadly we need to be prepared for it."

Bourne claimed that the government was already devising backup plans, one of which was a "quota trading system" that would let businesses buy and sell electricity quotas.

Additionally, the government was making plans to assist businesses that would "very severely impact" rationing.

The government's efforts to prepare the public and businesses for the challenges posed by the ongoing war in Ukraine have been highlighted by clear warnings about the potential for further shortages.

President Emmanuel Macron last week warned at the first cabinet meeting since the August summer holidays that France may need to make "sacrifices" in what he called the "end of abundance".

Every business must organize and take action. In September, I urge everyone to create their own energy-saving plan, Borne said, emphasizing that the crisis will facilitate a move away from fossil fuels.

He said the changes that need to be made would happen in the coming months.

France is better protected from a rise in gas prices because of Russia's decision to cut exports to Europe after its February invasion of Ukraine than many other European countries.

France has a fleet of 56 nuclear reactors that produce about 70% of the country's electricity, but 32 of them are currently offline either for routine maintenance or to assess the risk of corrosion.

To prevent blackouts, reactors that have been shut down must be restarted, according to Born.

During a visit to Algeria last week, where additional supplies from the North African producer were discussed, Macron took a more upbeat demeanor.

"We're not going to have any problems because we're less dependent on gas," Macron told reporters in Algiers on Friday. “With Norway, we have a pipeline. We have tweaked our offerings and increased volumes.

He cited efforts to fill French gas stock facilities, which are 90% complete, as well as a new terminal that can process liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the northern port of Le Havre.

"Thus, from a purely French point of view, this winter will be fine. The problem is European," Macron said, adding that "solidarity" may be needed to assist other EU members who are more dependent on Russian gas.

According to statistics from the International Energy Agency, gas makes up about 20% of France's total energy consumption, but it produces only less than 10% of the country's electricity.

According to French Energy Transition Minister Agnes Pannier-Rancher, the weather is "the most important factor in the coming months."
According to Claire Weisand, deputy chief executive of energy provider Angie, "We're interested in making sure it doesn't get too cold, to make sure we get through the winter with enough electricity and gas.

If so, there could be a few days of real stress.

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