Power quality management in the French electric system history, present position and future trends

In less than two years, the French electricity system has gone from a situation where EDF had a national monopoly to an open market where several independent players are interacting. This article shows how EDF's power quality policy has evolved to follow these changes, and summarises the new situation. It also discusses several possible scenarios for the future. The organisation that has been put in place has witnessed the perpetuation of the commitments taken in 1995 by EDF as regards the quality of the supply. These commitments are included in new network access contracts proposed to eligible and non eligible customers. In this respect, the French experience shows that major customers, who were calling out for the market to be opened up to competition, are not however willing to accept any reduction in their requirements regarding the quality of supply.