A good many French economists believe that keeping people at home is the best way to slash gas consumption. Economist and columnist at BFM TV Stéphane Pedrazzi suggested that the French should be invited to resume their remote work. From his standpoint, this measure will help people to survive the coming winter.
It is one of the numerous solutions offered by economists and energy companies on the back of dwindling Russian gas supplies. At first glance, the idea of teleworking raises doubts because of the energy costs for heating and lighting, Stéphane Pedrazzi explains. However, he recalls the time when the French followed the stay-home directive during the coronavirus pandemic. Back in 2020/21, the electricity consumption decreased by 5%. This saving will make a difference amid an acute gas shortage in the winter.
Besides, the authorities in France are mulling over other options. For example, companies might shift working hours to mitigate peak workload in the mornings and evenings. Another option is to reorganize the production process in energy-intensive industries to reduce power consumption.
Earlier, gas transmission company GRTGaz announced that France was no longer provided with Russian gas through pipelines. Later, France’s Energy Minister Agnès Pannier-Runachet clarified that Russian gas imports were curtailed, but not terminated. “We are still importing Russian gas, but in smaller quantities,” she said.
