French power sector strike takes 6.5 gigawatts offline overnight

PARIS, Sept 14 (Reuters) - A French labor strike in the electricity sector took 6.5 gigawatts offline overnight on Monday, EDF data showed, as the power sector unions protest a recommendation to curb employee benefits such as access to cheaper power.

The majority of the electricity supply cut came from reductions at seven French nuclear reactors, with several hundred megawatts of gas-fired and hydroelectric power also offline.

France generates about 70% of its electricity from its 57-reactor fleet, and is a key exporter to neighbors at a time when power prices are high as gas-reliant countries like Germany have to pay more to generate electricity.

The EDF data shows the disruption lasting until early morning Tuesday. However, the strike is expected to go through the day on Tuesday, suggesting the outages could be renewed or increased.

Workers and retirees in the French energy sector pay discounted rates for gas and electricity, which their unions view as a core part of their compensation package.

The French Court of Auditors estimated this cost EDF over €700 million ($808.22 million) in lost revenue in 2024, and in July recommended ending the benefit.

The court recommended phasing out energy benefits and limiting annual wage increases at EDF, which faces major investment costs as it upgrades its nuclear fleet and plans new reactors.

($1 = 0.8661 euros)

(Reporting by Forrest CrellinEditing by Bill Berkrot)