French power sector labour strike takes 6.5 gigawatts offline overnight
French energy workers launched a strike that reduced electricity output by 6.5 gigawatts, protesting a proposal to end discounted energy benefits for employees. The strike, which affected nuclear and gas-fired reactors, highlights ongoing labor tensions as EDF faces pressure to cut costs.
Why it matters
The strike impacts energy supply and prices in France and neighboring countries, underscoring the challenges of reforming state-owned infrastructure sectors.
A French labour strike in the electricity sector took 6.5 gigawatts offline overnight on Monday (September 14, 2026), EDF data showed, as the power sector unions protest a recommendation to curb employee benefits such as access to cheaper power.
The majority of the electricity supply cut came from reductions at seven French nuclear reactors, with several hundred megawatts of gas-fired and hydroelectric power also offline.
France generates about 70% of its electricity from its 57-reactor fleet, and is a key exporter to neighbors at a time when power prices are high as gas-reliant countries like Germany have to pay more to generate electricity.
The EDF data shows the disruption lasting until early morning Tuesday (September 15, 2026). However, the strike is expected to go through the day on Tuesday (September 15, 2026), suggesting the outages could be renewed or increased.
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