Targeted gas cuts will be organized in France, but not for everyone.

A decree published on Friday organizes how France will prepare for a possible shortage of gas from Russia this winter.

It provides a framework for possible “load shedding”, ie an interruption or reduction in supply for certain industrial or tertiary customers (shopping centres, concert halls, stadiums, etc.).

The device, which will not target individuals, concerns less than 5,000 large consumers, with exceptions provided for essential public services (hospitals, schools, etc.) and certain businesses.

“It is a device of last resort which aims to preserve the general supply of gas consumers and in particular of individuals”, underlines the government.

What are the consequences in the event of a breakdown in Russian deliveries?

According to the decree, these large consumers will receive an inquiry from the gas network manager asking them for several pieces of information such as their activity or "the economic consequences that they would suffer in the event of a reduction or cessation of their consumption of gas", as well as a means of contact to transmit a load shedding order to it at any time.

They must respond within a maximum of two months, at the risk of a fine.

France, which relies on Russia for around 17% of its gas, would be less affected than its European neighbors in the event of a disruption in deliveries but would still suffer the consequences.

"If imports of Russian gas ceased, we would probably be able to replace about half of it, but the rest, in the very short term, should be achieved, obtained, compensated by a reduction in consumption and particularly in the industrial sectors. “, estimated Thursday the president of Engie, Jean-Pierre Clamadieu.

For its part, the transmission network operator GRTgaz confirms that reductions in consumption should be considered, particularly in the event of cold winters.

Priority is to fill storage

For the time being, the priority is to fill gas storage for next winter despite the unusually high prices currently for the season.

They must be filled to at least 85% before the next cold season.

The filling level of the storages had fallen to 19% at the end of the winter and rose to just over 22% this week, said Thierry oublie.

“We are coming out of winter with relatively well-filled stocks, we are not at exceptionally low levels, and gas continues to arrive in France”, we also point out to the government.

To diversify its supplies, France has taken measures to increase its liquefied natural gas (LNG) import capacity in its LNG terminals and is even considering building a new floating LNG terminal.

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