France hit record power consumption levels in the first week of January during a harsh cold snap, despite calls from the grid operator for consumers to moderate their demand - particularly consumers in Brittany and the south of France, which are vulnerable to power shortages until new investment in networks and plant become operational over the next five years or so.rnOn January 5, demand went to 90,200 MW, then 91,500 MW on January 6 and 92,400 MW on January 7. On January 5, RTE said France would become a net importer (ca. 1000 MW) on the evening of that day, but made no subsequent announcements about the import position, nor reported any problems.rnElectricite de France said on January 6 that it was using almost all its nuclear, hydro and thermal capacity to ensure supply. Water levels at its hydro installations were above seasonal norms. Nevertheless it could not rule out interruptions to some industrial contracts.
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