EDF needs to rise to the gas challenge in France

Electricite de France has announced plans to enter the French I&C gas market. However, despite being the monopoly electricity supplier in France, EDF must recognize that size will not necessarily bring results. While low gas uptake in France leaves a large potential client base, EDF will still face an uphill struggle to make this count.

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EDF to continue international expansion strategy

EDF chairman Pierre Gadonneix has been quoted by the Financial Times as saying that he plans to make further investments outside of the EU in response to European energy market liberalization. Given the market share that EDF is likely to lose in the wake of liberalization, this is a judicious move, particularly because of the firm's leading nuclear capabilities.

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EdF/Enel: marrying for dual nationality privileges

EdF, the French electricity giant, and Enel, the Italian former monopoly, are discussing a deal that could see the two companies gain a foothold in each other's markets. This would present viable business strategies for two former monopolies faced with an inexorable market share decline at home.

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EdF/GdF: a step along the long road to privatization

France's center-right finance minister, Francis Mer, wants the privatization of energy suppliers EdF and GdF to kick-start in 2004. Based on a "non-negotiable political choice", the decision could boost both firms' international strategies. However, concerns about the funding of the companies' 144,000 pensioners could delay the privatizations further.

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EDF/GDF: privatization put on hold, again

EDF and GDF, the giant former monopolies, were slated for part-privatization at the end of 2003. However, the prospect of labor unrest, due to vehement opposition from the unions, has led to yet another postponement. Both companies need to come up with a Plan B, because simply waiting around for another year is not an option.

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EDF/GDF: vigorous competitors or cozy partners?

France's power and gas incumbents, EDF and GDF, have signed long-term wholesale supply contracts with each other. This will allow the two companies to target French retail customers in what was previously the opposite number's monopoly market. However, does this herald the beginning of full-bloodied competition in French utilities or an attempt to create a cozy duopoly?

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EdF: an unassailable position?

French authorities have decided that regulated electricity tariffs are anti-competitive. While EdF will be concerned by the proposed abolition of the tariffs in the next wave of deregulation, Datamonitor's Alex Patient argues that the company still retains sufficient market power to protect its position of dominance...

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EdF: competition worries could scupper expansion

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EDF: considering UK network sale as nuclear focus grows

EDF's recent acquisitions have significantly increased its nuclear asset base. Having acquired British Energy and part of Constellation earlier this year, as well as announcing plans to build 10 new nuclear plants in France and the UK, it has been reported that EDF is considering divesting its UK distribution assets. This would allow it to focus its resources on the nuclear generation renaissance.

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EdF: facing up to the challenge

It is unclear whether Francois Roussely will be granted another term as EdF chairman; as yet no successor has been identified. With strategic issues of integration and competition needing immediate attention, whoever takes over will have a tough job ahead.

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