Three Gorges power tariff unlikely to please consumers

A tariff has been set for power produced by the mainland's Three Gorges hydroelectric project - one which dashes consumers' hopes of cheaper electricity and is likely to keep coal-fired competitors in business.

The tariff of 0.25 yuan per kilowatt-hour would end up comparable to levels charged by coal-fired plants in the project's target markets, analysts said.

The production of cheaper, clean power was among the reasons used to justify the massive Three Gorges project, which is expected to begin producing electricity next year.

China Yangtze Three Gorges Project Development deputy general manager Li Rongan said the project's price would be competitive, compared with the average power price of 0.35 yuan in the eastern region and 0.30 yuan in the central region.

However, analysts said that transmission levies, some of more than 0.10 yuan, had to be added to the price of Three Gorges power.