EDF Will Be Paid to Run Reactors at a Loss to Keep Grid Stable

France’s power-grid operator can now require Electricite de France SA to keep nuclear plants online even when there’s more than enough supply and prices are low.

The move is aimed at maintaining stable grid voltage, which has become increasingly difficult with the boom in renewables. The decision, announced by the country’s energy regulator this week, comes a year after neighboring Spain suffered a crippling nationwide blackout following abnormal power surges.