China is making continuous efforts to enhance electricity access in order to meet the growing demand for high-quality power services and support the country's economic and social development.
A guideline issued by the National Development and Reform Commission as well as the National Energy Administration (NEA) called on energy authorities and grid operators nationwide to take concrete steps to further enhance electricity connectivity services, with the goal of establishing a modern, efficient business environment for electricity services across the country by 2029.
The guideline outlines 38 specific measures across 14 key areas to improve electricity services, including the landmark expansion of "zero-investment" low-voltage electricity connection services for private enterprises that have a low-voltage power capacity below 160 kilowatts, and the introduction of strict time frames for completing connection procedures.
"In terms of pursuing high-quality power supply, we will closely follow the people's expectation of 'fewer and no power outages', strengthen the planning and construction of distribution networks as well as power management to ensure reliable supply, deepen the application of new AI plus equipment and technologies. We will strive to achieve the transformation from 'having access to electricity' to 'using quality electricity'," said Song Hongkun, deputy head of the NEA at a press briefing on Thursday.
According to the guideline, the goal includes providing easy and convenient electricity connection services, ensuring a high-quality power supply to meet diversified consumer needs, promoting green energy, offering inclusive services, and conducting coordinated inspections to enhance overall service quality.
The guideline also calls for innovative electricity services, such as establishing new access points to meet temporary power demand during spring irrigation and autumn harvest seasons, as well as supporting the needs of night market vendors. These efforts aim to boost rural revitalization, stimulate consumption, improve the mechanism for guaranteeing the basic electricity supply for people's livelihoods, and promote the unified power supply service standards in urban and rural areas.
China accelerates push for high-quality power connectivity
