Local initiatives unveiled amid electricity surge

With soaring summer temperatures and potential electricity shortages looming, some parts of China have introduced local initiatives to conserve power and ensure a stable supply.

The measures, alongside national strategies, aim to mitigate the impact of increased electricity demand due to possible extreme weather events and industrial development.

In Taizhou, Zhejiang province, the city development and reform commission and State Grid Corporation have advised new energy vehicle owners to start charging their vehicles after 11 pm. The owners of electric bicycles are also being encouraged to charge during off-peak hours at night to reduce strain on the power grid.

Suzhou, Jiangsu province, has told government authorities to turn off air conditioners for one hour during peak power hours from 9 to 11 am. Additionally, public facilities like air conditioning, lighting and boilers in nonessential areas are to be switched off.

In Jiangxi province, the promotion of energy-saving appliances is a key strategy. Public spaces such as supermarkets, hotels and office buildings are recommended to reduce or suspend the use of high-power equipment and unnecessary lighting during peak power periods from 7 pm to 11 pm. The management of air conditioners has been emphasized, with cooling temperatures set no lower than 26 C, and air conditioners turned off half an hour before the end of business hours. Curtains at exits are also recommended to minimize the escape of cold air.

Kaizhou district in Chongqing, a major tourist destination, has implemented measures to reduce public lighting. Decorative lights have been turned off or seen usage limited since Thursday. The district advised reducing public lighting to essential levels for daily needs, switching off electronic advertising devices between midnight and 8 am, and turning off store lightboxes when stores are closed.

Despite the local policies, experts believe that China will not face significant electricity security issues this summer.

Luo Xueming, chief expert at the Guangdong Modern Urban Industrial Technology Research Institute, said the country's experience in managing summer power peaks and proactive measures will ensure a stable power supply.

However, Luo said that the development of power-consuming industries, such as charging stations for new energy vehicles and refrigeration for pre-prepared food storage facilities, has exacerbated the strain on electricity resources.

Du Zhongming, head of the National Energy Administration's electricity bureau, said the national electricity load is expected to increase by over 100 million kilowatts year-on-year. While the overall power supply remains secure, extreme and catastrophic weather events could intensify stress on the grid.

Conventional measures to strengthen inspections of power generation facilities, monitor electricity usage in key areas, increase coal production and implement cross-regional power transmission are also in place to ensure a reliable power supply throughout the summer, Luo said.

limenghan@chinadaily.com.cn