Power transmission and distribution activities in mainland France are the remit of the transmission system operator (RTE) for high and extra high voltages, and of distribution network operators (Enedis and LDCs in their respective exclusive service areas) for medium and low voltage.
RTE, which is an Independent Transmission Operator (as defined by EU law), and Enedis are subsidiaries that are managed in accordance with the rules on management independence, as provided for by the French Energy Code.
105,970km
HIGH AND EXTRA HIGH VOLTAGE CIRCUITS
51
CROSS-BORDER LINES
407TWh
WITHDRAWALS IN 2021
ADJUSTED FOR WEATHER EFFECT
€1,578 million
INVESTMENTS IN 2021
Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTE) was founded on 1 July 2000 and has been a subsidiary since 1 September 2005. It is the owner and operator of the French electricity transmission network, which it operates, maintains and develops. At the end of 2021, with less than 100,000 kilometres of overhead power lines, more than 6,000 kilometres of underground power lines, 2,900 substations operated individually or jointly, and 51 cross-border lines, this is one of the largest networks in continental Europe. RTE’s geographical location places it at the core of the European electricity market.
RTE guarantees the correct operation and safety of the electricity system, and provides free and fair access to all the network users. In its role as an industrial operator with responsibility for energy transition, RTE is optimising and converting its electricity network in order to be able to connect generation facilities, irrespective of future energy choices. RTE contributes its expertise and publishes reports to assist the public authorities in making informed choices.
As at 31 December 2021, RTE is indirectly owned (50.1%) by EDF via the company Coentreprise de Transport d’Électricité (CTE). Its specific conditions of governance mean that RTE is not fully consolidated by the Group, but rather accounted for using the equity method.
CTE is a limited company (société anonyme) with a Board of Directors, owned by EDF (50.1%), Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) (29.9%) and CNP Assurances (20%). CTE holds 100% of the share capital of RTE. In accordance with its articles of association, the sole purpose of CTE is the acquisition and holding of RTE’s shares, and more generally, all commercial, financial, intangible and tangible property transactions relating directly, or indirectly, to its corporate purpose or that may facilitate the fulfilment thereof or stimulate business growth.
CTE’s Board of Directors is composed of eight members, who are appointed for a term of six years, including four EDF representatives, two CDC representatives and two CNP Assurances representatives. RTE’s Compliance Auditor General attends meetings of CTE’s Board of Directors.
RTE is a limited company (société anonyme) with both an Executive Board and a Supervisory Board. RTE’s Supervisory Board is composed of twelve members appointed for five years. Six are representatives of the shareholder CTE, two are appointed pursuant to Articles 4 and 6 of Ordinance no. 2014-948 dated 20 August 2014 on the governance and equity transactions of companies in which the State holds shares (the French State and the Board member appointed at the proposal of the French State), and four are employee representatives.
Other individuals attend Supervisory Board meetings but are not members:
RTE’s Management Board is made up of five members, who perform their duties under the oversight of the Supervisory Board, within the limits fixed by the French Energy Code and RTE’s articles of association. Subject to the prior agreement of the Ministry of Energy, the Supervisory Board appoints the President of the Management Board and, at the President’s proposal, the other members of the Management Board.
In France, RTE manages the public transmission network and carries out its missions under the conditions set out in standard specifications, which were approved by a decree that is applicable until 2051. In accordance with the French Energy Code, transmission network operators must be certified according to a process associating the CRE and the European Commission. This process aims to ensure that the entity concerned fulfils the independence conditions laid down by this Code. RTE obtained certification from the CRE in 2012 and on 11 January 2018 (after of change of shareholder) as an ITO (Independent Transmission Operator). This certification was confirmed by the CRE decision dated 2 July 2020, following the reorganisation of the CDC’s shareholdings.
RTE thus manages the transmission infrastructure, guarantees access to the transmission network and manages energy flows.
RTE has to face a variety of challenges in its mission as an electricity transmission network operator:
On 25 October 2021, RTE published the main findings of its prospective study entitled Futurs énergétiques 2050, which is a detailed analysis of the ways in which the French electricity system is changing. This report sets out consumption trajectories and six power generation mix scenarios that will ensure security of supply, while complying with the commitments made by France under the 2015 Paris Agreement (COP 21). This ground-breaking work is the first of its kind in Europe, on account of the extent of the analysis provided and of RTE’s consultation with the stakeholders.
