Thanks to power shortages, Shanghai factories have been told to work only at night and tourist areas will be unlit
As temperatures soar this summer, the mainland's richest areas are feeling the heat.
Shanghai and Guangdong report worsening power shortages as electricity-draining air conditioners are cranked up. Some power producers worry that the problem could continue even past the summer, state media said yesterday.
Due to high temperatures and rapid economic development, Guangdong would face its biggest power shortfall from July to September, though the gap was expected to persist until the end of the year, the Southern Metropolis News said.
The Guangdong Power Group predicts power consumption in the province will rise 14.5 per cent this year to about 233 billion kWh, forcing the government to adopt energy-saving policies and spend 19 billion yuan to improve the grid.
Shanghai, meanwhile, has taken conservation steps, including turning off the lights of the historic Bund district, after temperatures hit a high of 37 degrees Celsius at the weekend. The city turns off all scenic lighting after the temperature hits 35 degrees.
Shanghai's power use hit a record peak of 14 million kW yesterday. Office buildings near the popular Xintiandi entertainment district reported brief power outages.
