China Takes Emergency Measures To Ease Power Shortage

China is experiencing its worst power shortage in years, prompting the country to impose emergency measures to increase electricity levels.

According to government officials, the supply crisis has been caused by coal shortages rather than Beijing's cap on electricity tariffs, writes Reuters.

As a result, the country is adopting a series of emergency measures including a ban on coal exports and ordering railway operators to speed coal deliveries to boost inventories, now below half the normal rate.

The closure of small mines and persistently high coal demand due to rapid industrial expansion has also led to shortages, according to deputy director of the economic cooperation bureau of National Development and Reform Commission Zhu Hongren.

China's total power shortage has so far hit 39.9GW, with brownouts spreading to 17 provinces, especially in the central and southwest where heavy snow has slowed coal transportation.

Bad weather has also affected hydropower in the south of the country, with the worst drought in five decades, says Hongren.

By staff writer