No let up in electricity supply and heating

Domestic coal production has been on the rise since October, with daily production reaching 11.66 million metric tons on average between Nov 1 and Nov 5, according to data from the National Development and Reform Commission. The highest production during those five days was 11.93 million tons, a five-year record.

Besides, thermal power plants and public indoor heating enterprises have signed long-term coal-purchase contracts with coal mines. Which should ensure steady electricity supply and indoor heating this winter.

Residents account for just 20 percent of electricity consumption, with industrial units and commercial establishments accounting for the rest. As most of the thermal power plants have signed long-term contracts, industrial enterprises, too, can expect a steady power supply.

In other words, neither residents nor enterprises need to worry about their electricity supply or heating.

This would not have been possible without the involvement of higher-level officials. An executive meeting of the State Council, China's Cabinet, in October, said that temperatures have dipped lower than in previous years, so coal mines should ensure ample production and transport of coal to facilitate a stable power supply and heating.

The authorities must also ensure a stable supply of vegetables and grains, and take measures to stabilize their prices, so that people do not face hardships this winter.

There is good news on that front, too. National Bureau of Statistics data show the production of grains this autumn is likely to set a new record－at more than 650 million tons. Vegetables prices, too, have begun to drop.

More needs to be done, however. There was panic buying of grains and vegetables recently following a government news release. So government departments should be cautious not to create panic through their notices.

It is likely to be a very cold winter. But the authorities are confident of providing a steady power supply and heating, and stabilizing the prices of necessities.