PARIS, Feb 15 Reuters Falling electricity prices are slowing EDF39;s negotiations with industrial customers for longterm contracts, four sources and experts say, threatening the debtladen energy group39;s longterm finances and ability to keep its aging nuclear plants running.

Financial results for 2023 on Friday will likely show progress in cutting some of EDF39;s 65 billion euros 69.5 billion of debt and a rise in profits bolstered by soaring power prices following Russia39;s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

But the lack of forward deals will renew concerns about the stateowned power company39;s longterm commercial outlook after its nationalisation last June. EDF needs those deals to shore up its finances and reduce risks of price swings so it can invest to extend the life of its 56 nuclear reactors and build at least six more.

A power price deal EDF agreed with the government in November aims to stabilise electricity prices for retail and industrial customers at 70 euros per megawatthour MWh on average from 2026 when current contracts expire. The current breakeven level for production costs is 60 eurosMWh.

But sinking prices are undermining that strategy.

The drop in prices is seriously disrupting both the market and EDF, said one EDF source who declined to be identified because the talks are private. He described the market as being in a real paralysis because both sides are in a waitandsee mode.

An absence of deals could make it harder for EDF to secure funding or…