French energy workers strike over preferential electricity rates

French electricity and gas workers launched a massive strike on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, protesting a government plan to reform the ‘tarif agent’. This preferential energy rate is a long-standing benefit for approximately 140,000 employees and retirees of companies such as EDF and Engie.

According to company reports, strike participation reached 65% at EDF and 63% at Engie. The industrial action resulted in a power reduction of 7.9 gigawatts, which EDF noted is equivalent to the output of nearly eight nuclear reactors. While there has been no immediate impact on consumer supply, unions warned of further escalation if the government does not yield.

The reform is driven by an injunction from the Cour des comptes (Court of Auditors). Labor unions, including CGT, CFE-CGC, CFDT, and FO, met briefly with Energy Minister Maud Bregeon. Union representatives demanded a meeting with the Prime Minister by October 2, stating they will harden their stance if their demands are not met. The Ministry indicated that the goal is to preserve the benefit while ensuring its social and fiscal valuation complies with legal requirements.