China power crisis: Premier Li warns provinces not to ‘jump the gun’ by cutting electricity to homes
- China’s No 2 figure, Li Keqiang, reinforces importance of energy security, but says cutting power is not only way to meet carbon-emission targets
- Comments come at a high-level meeting of the National Energy Commission as nation struggles to address a widespread power shortage that is affecting livelihoods and threatening economic growth
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has reinforced the importance of an “orderly” nationwide move towards meeting carbon-reduction targets, while chastising local provincial governments for cutting off power in a “one-size-fits-all” approach towards meeting those targets.
Also in attendance were all four of China’s vice-premiers, as well as He Lifeng, chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) – the state economic planner that is solely in charge of China’s electricity-pricing mechanism.
“Carbon peaking and neutrality … require long-term hard work,” Li, China’s No 2 figure, was quoted by the official Xinhua as saying at the meeting. “Development remains the key to all of the problems [China is facing], while the supply shortage is now the biggest energy insecurity.”