China has taken proactive measures to ensure that electricity demand and supply remain in balance during the summer season as temperatures soar in various regions, the country's top economic planner said at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday.
China's peak electricity load in this year's summer peak season is expected to increase by 100 million kilowatts compared with last year, National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) spokeswoman Li Chao said.
In response to this situation, the NDRC has worked with relevant departments to strengthen the energy production, supply, storage, and sales system, according to Li.
China's total power generation capacity had climbed to 3.61 billion kilowatts by the end of May, marking a year-on-year increase of 18.8 percent.
Ultra-high-voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission projects, linking northwest China's Gansu Province and the eastern province of Shandong, and connecting the northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region with Chongqing Municipality in southwest China, have been completed and put into operation this year, delivering power from the northwest to help densely populated and industrial regions meet power demand.
Meanwhile, coal inventories at power plants remain at relatively high levels.
"Relevant departments have responded proactively and effectively to the power demand surge amid soaring temperatures. Judging from the current situation, this year's supply-demand situation for electricity in summer peak season will be more favorable than last year. The overall balance of power supply and demand is generally secured nationwide," Li said.
The spokeswoman stressed that preemptive measures should be taken to ensure stable supply, guarding against potential disruptions caused by extreme weather, and natural disasters such as typhoons, torrential rains and floods.
"We should make good preparations to cope with natural disasters' impact on power supply, organize emergency rescue forces, equipment and materials in advance, and strive to execute emergency response and restore power supply with maximum speed and efficiency, so as to ensure electricity supply for residential needs and corporate needs in key sectors," Li said.
China stresses ensuring power supply to meet peak demand in summer
