China accelerates push for high-quality power connectivity

An aerial drone photo taken on April 10, 2024 shows electrical workers inspecting a power transmission line in Jiujiang District of Wuhu City, east China's Anhui Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

China is making continuous efforts to enhance electricity access in order to meet the growing demand for high-quality power services and support the country's economic and social development.

A guideline issued by the National Development and Reform Commission as well as the National Energy Administration called on energy authorities and grid operators nationwide to take concrete steps to further enhance electricity connectivity services, with the goal of establishing a modern, efficient business environment for electricity services across the country by 2029.

According to the guideline, the goal includes providing easy and convenient electricity connection services, ensuring a high-quality power supply, promoting green energy, offering inclusive services, and conducting coordinated inspections to enhance overall service quality.

Emphasizing that electricity services are a crucial component of China's drive to create a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized, the guideline aims to further boost public satisfaction with electricity services.

The guideline outlines measures across 14 key areas to improve electricity services, including the expansion of "zero-investment" low-voltage electricity connection services for private enterprises and the introduction of strict time frames for completing connection procedures.

The guideline calls for innovative electricity services, such as establishing new access points to meet temporary power demand during spring irrigation and autumn harvest seasons, as well as supporting the needs of night market vendors. These efforts aim to boost rural revitalization and stimulate consumption.

Power suppliers have been urged to streamline procedures and offer fast, convenient connection services, with an emphasis on processing applications online to spare customers the inconvenience of visiting service centers in person.

The guideline calls on power suppliers to allocate more funding toward upgrading and renovating power distribution networks in rural areas and urban villages, while also addressing the growing needs for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and clean heating solutions.

Energy authorities will work to promote the integration of green electricity into the grid and encourage its consumption, as per the guideline.

China will continue to improve the supervision and law enforcement system for power supply services and strengthen the complaints-handling mechanism, according to the guideline, which will take effect on July 1, 2025 and remain in force for five years.