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The French government has begun to take concrete measures to prepare for possible power outages in various parts of the country during the winter, BTA reported, citing DPA. 

Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne will instruct regional officials to be ready for controlled power outages of no more than two hours, the French government's press office said. 

The winter could be cold and France must be ready to react in case it cannot supply enough electricity to meet demand at certain times. 

The reason for this is the problems with the French nuclear power plants, DPA notes.

Maintenance at several nuclear power plants has been delayed, and a large portion of the country's 56 reactors are still not connected to the grid. 

The French government stressed that it has a mutual assistance agreement with Germany, which provides for France to supply natural gas to Germany and receive electricity in case of need. 

If a power cut is imminent, citizens will be informed in detail one day in advance through a special mobile application.

Electricity will not be cut off in hospitals and other important facilities.

However, the measures will affect railways, subways, schools, universities and more.

Concerns remain that power outages could disrupt the telephone network. 

According to the French authorities, power shortages can occur between 8am and 1pm and between 6pm and 8pm, when consumption is highest.

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