According to the body managing France’s electricity grid (Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTE)) the country could face electricity blackouts in the New Year, halting ski lifts and snowmaking and leaving tourists shivering in their electrically heated appartments. France is estimated to reach a peak of 83,500 Megawatts of consumption in January at the same time the generating capacity is 4 MegaWatts less than last year. France will need to import the difference but a cold snap could cause major problems and lead to rolling blackouts across the country. Reservoirs in the Alps, which can provide extra capacity, are at low levels after one of the driest and hottest summers on record.

The EDF cannot bring more production online quickly as it is weighed down with debt having bought British Energy.