Electricite de France (EDF) said that high storage levels in reservoirs is providing cheaper, fast response power to help counter the increased electricity demands caused by the cold snap in the country.
The French utility said that reservoir storage volumes were higher than average for the time of year, which has been helped by preparations throughout the preceding months.
edf is also using previously negotiated flexibile supply arrangements with some industrial customers to have more electricity resource to call upon as demand fluctuates.
Temperatures have been below seasonal norms in France recently. EDF said most of its nuclear and hydro power plants are in operation to provide a base load capacity over the colder than normal period. It is also drawing upon other fast response assets, such as gas-fired generation.