No electricity bills for China Southern Power Grid WeChat binding

What's behind China's record-breaking electricity consumption?

A heatwave and brisk economic activities have combined to set off record-breaking electricity consumption in southern Chinese provinces, prompting the state-owned power grid operator to ration power to factories and commercial services providers.

Why is China in a power crunch?

China is in the middle of a huge power crunch as extreme weather, surging demand for energy and strict limits on coal usage deliver a triple blow to the nation’s electricity grid. It’s a problem that could last for months, straining the country’s economic recovery and weighing on global trade.

Why are China's energy producers lobbying the government?

With production costs ballooning, China’s energy producers are lobbying the government to permit the unthinkable: let consumers bear the cost. Until two years ago, the government permitted energy producers to raise electricity rates a mere 10% to account for a sudden spike in operating costs.

Why is China's power grid creaking?

China ’s creaking grid represents a major constraint to progress on its green energy transition. During the first four months of this year alone, China invested Rmb122.9bn ($17bn) in its power grid projects, a 24.9 per cent year-on-year increase.

Are blackouts affecting China's Electricity Supply?

Blackouts are not that unusual in the country but this year a number of factors have contributed to a perfect storm for electricity suppliers. The problem is particularly serious in China's north eastern industrial hubs as winter approaches - and is something that could have implications for the rest of the world.

Is China putting pressure on the distribution of electricity?

Despite China’s huge spending programme, there are signs of increasing pressure on the distribution and transmission of electricity. Over the past year, more than 100 counties and cities in five provinces have suspended new small-scale solar operations from connecting to distribution lines.