The French government has launched a new campaign titled 'Chaque geste compte' (Every Gesture Counts) to promote energy sobriety and encourage citizens to maintain reduced energy consumption habits.

This initiative follows a successful two-year energy sobriety plan that resulted in a 12% reduction in energy consumption compared to 2019, implemented during an energy crisis caused by reduced Russian gas supplies and nuclear reactor shutdowns.

Olga Givernet, the Deputy Minister for Energy, emphasized the importance of sustaining these reductions to prevent energy waste and transition away from fossil fuels.

The campaign aims to prevent a rebound in energy consumption as energy prices have recently decreased significantly, ensuring that the country can meet its energy needs this winter.

Givernet expressed confidence that France can manage the upcoming winter without energy shortages due to improved production capacity.

The government aims to ensure that the reduction in energy consumption is sustained, despite the reduced risk of power outages experienced during the winter of 2022.

Following the campaign's announcement, discussions and assessments of the sobriety plan and electricity consumption will take place at the Ministry of Ecological Transition.

Enedis, the electricity distribution network operator, has noted that electricity needs for data centers may offset savings achieved from energy-efficient renovations in commercial buildings by 2035.

Looking ahead, projections indicate a significant increase in electricity demand, with expectations of rising from 343 terawatt-hours in 2019 to approximately 396 terawatt-hours by 2035.

Givernet highlighted the importance of maintaining energy-saving habits to reduce pollution and ensure a sustainable energy future.

Roundtable discussions and evaluations of the energy sobriety plan are scheduled for the same day the campaign is launched.

The campaign will feature humorous clips aired on radio and television to remind citizens of positive energy-saving practices without inducing guilt.