“Avoid sending too many emails with large attachments” is among the power-saving measures suggested to the French public in order to prevent overloading the national grid during this week’s cold spell.

France is facing fears that a national power shortage could lead to widespread cuts.

The company that manages the national grid (RTE) warns the country is likely to reach a peak in consumption by Thursday, January 19 as the public try to keep their homes heated.

Other more conventional measures included: turning off lights, computers and extension leads; reducing the temperature on thermostat; and avoiding the use of washing machines during peak times.

RTE say that by “avoiding sending too many emails with large attachments” the public can save power at data-centres. While at work, the French are asked to reduce the brightness of their screens and “avoid printing in large quantities”.

In order to keep up to date with electricity consumption, the French can download an app called “Eco2mix” that alerts them as to the peak times. RTE did not explain whether using the app would also lead to unnecessary electricity use in data-centres.