Ecowatt: how does it work and why should you care?
To avoid this, RTE (Réseau de Transport d'Électricité), with the support of ADEME and EDF, has set up a system called Ecowatt. It's a kind of "electricity weather forecast". It provides real-time information on the state of the network, and alerts you in the event of tension. This product enables us to better understand our consumption levels and adapt our habits.
Thanks to Ecowatt, everyone can take action. The tool indicates signals (green, orange or red) depending on the situation. In the event of an Ecowatt orange or red alert, simple actions can be taken to avoid the worst: switching off unnecessary electrical appliances, postponing the use of fans, turning down the heating... These actions help prevent a power cut and promote energy savings.
Understanding Ecowatt means you can better manage your electricity consumption, reduce your bill and avoid blackouts. It's also a way for you to make your own contribution to a more stable energy system in France. In this article, we explain how it works, and why it's worth taking an interest. For more details, visit the official Ecowatt page.
Contents
What is Ecowatt?
🔌 A scheme launched by RTE, EDF and ADEME
Ecowatt is a free service set up by RTE (Réseau de Transport d'Électricité), with the support ofADEME andEDF. Its aim is to prevent tensions on the French power grid by informing citizens and businesses in real time about the state of electricity consumption. This service helps you to consume more efficiently, while limiting the risks to the grid.
This system works like a "electricity weather forecastby indicating periods when energy production may not be sufficient to cover consumption. In this way, everyone can adapt their usage to avoid power cuts. Energy flow management is essential to ensure stable delivery.
⚡ A tool for monitoring power consumption
In France, energy consumption is particularly high in winter, mainly due to electric heating. For example, on January 23, 2023, a peak consumption of 84 GW was recorded during a cold snap.
Ecowatt tracks these variations in real time, by comparing electricity production (nuclear, wind, solar, etc.) with demand. When consumption approaches production limits, the system issues alerts to encourage reduced electricity consumption. Among the options on offer, delaying non-essential uses can make all the difference.
🟢🟧🟥 A simple, visual signal system
The device uses a color code to indicate the status of the electrical network:
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- 🟢 Green: situation normal, no special action required.
- 🟧 Orange: the network is live, we recommend reducing consumption.
- 🟥 Red: the risk of power cuts is high, immediate action is required.
These signals are broadcast via theEcowatt app, the dedicated website, and can be received by SMS or email for registered users.
For example, during the winter of 2022-2023, thanks to collective mobilization and lower consumption, France avoided 12 red alerts that could have led to blackouts.
How does the Ecowatt system work?
How to sustain and strengthen your business through a successful low-carbon trajectory.
🧠 A real-time forecasting and warning system
Ecowatt is a tool developed by RTE, with the support of ADEME and EDF. Its aim is to ensure a constant balance between electricity production and consumption in France. This eco-responsible device provides a clear picture of the voltage level on the network.
In practical terms, RTE collects and analyzes data from the national power grid. The system anticipates possible tensions and, if necessary, issues alerts up to three days in advance. These alerts help avoid a scheduled power cut, by encouraging the French to consume differently and adopt energy-saving gestures at the right time. A clear signal helps to make the right decisions without affecting comfort.
👉 In winter, this reduces demand at peak times, often between 7am-11am and 6pm-8pm. Turning off unnecessary fans or postponing certain uses can lower energy prices for everyone.
📱 Simple, accessible digital tools
The Ecowatt system is accessible to all via several media:
- The official page: www.monecowatt.fr
- TheEcowatt mobile app, free on Android and iOS
- SMS and e-mail notifications for registered users
These tools provide live information on the state of the power grid, and give advance warning of critical periods. The aim is to give everyone the power to act at the right time.
🔄 Concrete gestures to relieve the network
In the event of an orange or red alert, everyone can help stabilize the power system. Here are a few simple, effective electrical measures recommended by RTE:
- Move the use of washing machines, ovens and fans to times other than peak hours.
- Reduce heating by 1°C (which can cut bills by 7%)
- Switch off standby or unused electrical appliances
- Promote rapid cooking (microwave rather than electric oven)
Why take an interest in Ecowatt? And what you can do with GCI
🌍 A collective challenge for the energy transition
Electricity needs in France vary greatly according to season, time of day and weather. In winter, it can explode due to electric heating. Faced with these peaks, the grid becomes fragile.
Reducing your electricity demand at the right time means :
- avoid power cuts,
- limit the use of highly polluting means of production (such as gas or coal-fired power plants),
- act for a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
It's also a simple way of reducing electricity prices: when everyone consumes at the same time, the market price of energy explodes. In 2022, MWh exceeded €1,000 during extreme demand peaks.
By giving clear signals (green, orange, red), Ecowatt enables everyone to become a player in the energy transition, while saving money at the same time.
🏢 Companies are also concerned
Businesses play a key role. They consume a lot of energy, often at sensitive times. By following Ecowatt and adopting simple electrical gestures, they can :
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- anticipate critical periods,
- protect their business from potential cuts,
- improve their carbon footprint.
For example: switching off non-essential electrical equipment in the evening or outside opening hours, smoothing out energy-intensive use, avoiding excessive heating or air-conditioning...
🤝 GCI helps you use electricity more responsibly
At Global Climate Initiatives (GCI), we help companies manage their energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprint.
Our solutions enable you to :
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- track your emissions linked to electricity consumption,
- understand your most energy-hungry items,
- identify the right levers to reduce your consumption over the long term,
- integrate Ecowatt alerts into your action plan,
- and add value to your CSR strategy and ESG criteria.
GCI doesn't just measure, we help you take concrete action, with a carbon plan tailored to your reality.
👉 In short: following Ecowatt is simple, free and useful. And with GCI, you can go further, turning every electrical signal into a decarbonization opportunity.
Companies, too, have a major role to play. And with Global Climate Initiatives, they can go even further: measure, understand and optimize their electricity consumption, while integrating these efforts into a global approach to decarbonization and ESG performance.
👉 Together, let's make the right moves at the right time, for a more responsible and sustainable energy future.