EDF, the French state-controlled nuclear operator, on Friday launched the sale of its regulated electricity network in the UK, which distributes power to 7.9m homes in the south-east and east of England.

The group, which is facing record debt and mounting investments in France and around the world, said it hoped to attract offers in excess of the €4bn ($5.8bn) value attributed to the networks in its accounts. EDF will still retain its power generation and supply activities in the UK.