But the trio of executives now brings rationing one step closer to reality in France.
They said: “The best energy is the energy we do not consume. Collectively, we must act on energy demand by reducing our consumption to give ourselves more leeway.
“Taking action this summer will allow us to be better prepared to face the coming winter and, in particular, to preserve our gas reserves.
“That is why we ask for awareness and collective and individual action so that each one of us – each consumer, each company – changes his behavior and immediately limits his consumption of energy, electricity, gas and petroleum products.
“The effort must be immediate, collective and massive.”
It occurs when households and businesses in the UK are faced with having to pay the bill for carbon emissions emitted by coal-fired power plants that are being asked to remain open this winter.
Coal stations that will close in September have been asked to stay open for longer to provide reserve supply if necessary amid fears that Russia will cut off gas supplies to Europe.
National Grid pays them to do so, which will eventually recoup consumer costs in accordance with normal agreements for the acquisition of security supply.
Power generators are subject to an emissions trading scheme, which means they have to pay for carbon emissions beyond a certain limit.
The National Grid agreement with EDF to keep West Burton A station open beyond its scheduled closure in September is believed to include covering emission costs.
The deal is believed to have a global value of tens of millions. Negotiations are underway with Drax and Uniper to keep their coal units open as well.
The carbon trading scheme is designed to help make polluting industries less economical and push them towards cleaner alternatives.
It is considered a key factor in reducing the amount of coal used in the UK electricity system, from 70% in 1990 to less than 3% last year.
However, this winter coal-fired power plants are being encouraged to stay in line for energy security concerns.
Energy costs for households and businesses are very sensitive amid record energy bills.
Household energy bills rose 54% to £ 1,971 a year on average in April and are expected to rise by more than 40% to £ 2,800 when the price cap is restored in October.
The government declined to comment.