France rolls out energy saving plan to avoid winter power cuts

Some French cities will put up Christmas lights later than usual this year as part of plans to save on energy and avoid winter power cuts. AFP - CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT

France’s Minister for Energy Transition, Agnés Pannier-Runacher, on Thursday unveiled the country’s energy saving plan - warning there was "an urgent need" for action in a fight that would carry on well beyond the winter.

"This is the challenge for the next 30 years," said Pannier-Runacher after a meeting with ministers and company managers outside of Paris.