TOPSHOT – This aerial view shows tractors positioned to read “STOP !” during a farmers’ protest over a number issues affecting their sector, in Maille, central France, on January 23, 2024. France’s powerful farming unions on January 22, 2024 met with the French prime minister after threatening the government with a week or more of protest action if their demands were not met. The unions have demanded concrete government action to address their grievances, which they say include excessive financial charges and environmental protection rules as well as insufficient prices for their produce. (Photo by GUILLAUME SOUVANT / AFP)
| Photo Credit: GUILLAUME SOUVANT
A French labour strike in the electricity sector took 6.5 gigawatts offline overnight on Monday (September 14, 2026), EDF data showed, as the power sector unions protest a recommendation to curb employee benefits such as access to cheaper power.
The majority of the electricity supply cut came from reductions at seven French nuclear reactors, with several hundred megawatts of gas-fired and hydroelectric power also offline.
France generates about 70% of its electricity from its 57-reactor fleet, and is a key exporter to neighbors at a time when power prices are high as gas-reliant countries like Germany have to pay more to generate electricity.
The EDF data shows the disruption lasting until early morning Tuesday (September 15, 2026). However, the strike is expected to go through the day on Tuesday (September 15, 2026), suggesting the outages could be renewed or increased.
Workers and retirees in the French energy sector pay discounted rates for gas and electricity, which their unions view as a core part of their compensation package.
The French Court of Auditors estimated this cost EDF over €700 million ($808.22 million) in lost revenue in 2024, and in July recommended ending the benefit.
The court recommended phasing out energy benefits and limiting annual wage increases at EDF, which faces major investment costs as it upgrades its nuclear fleet and plans new reactors.
Published – September 15, 2026 03:22 am IST
