• Up until a few weeks ago, few French people had heard of the government-funded Ecowatt website. But with winter arriving, this “electricity weather forecast” promises to become a helpful and popular tool. So, like many, I logged on. Via its site or text message, Ecowatt warns consumers about potential power cuts, giving them time to switch off household appliances to reduce consumption and protect them from disruption. For reasons we’re all well aware of, the risk of power cuts is on the rise. For the moment, thanks to the mild weather, I haven’t been pinged. Will it stay that way come winter?