Shanghai is predicted to use 12 million kilowatts of electricity at peak hours this summer,one million kilowatts more than last summer,Xinmin Evening News reported today.
The electricity consumption has continued to rise in the city during recent summers.Officials said a predicted hotter summer and the increase in separate power meters,which facilitate the use of more electricity by families,will lead to an increase in it usage this year.
Consumption has exceeded 10million kilowatts in the past several days,officials with the Shanghai Electric Co.said.
To ensure a normal and safe power supply,local officials have initiated inspections of the city's power facilities and preparations for unexpected power failure.
The city's installed power generating capacity stands at 9.2million kilowatts.To fill in the gap between supply and demand,the city buys electricity from nearby provinces in the East China area during peak hours.
Residents can call 6329222 for emergency assistance from the Shanghai Electric Co.in case of unexpected power cuts.
It is estimated the city will close the gap on electricity supply by 2004,officials said yesterday.
The city is building more electricity generators and also waste incinerators turning heat into electricity.
( eastday.com June 21, 2002)
