(January 13, 2002) While overall power consumption in China has surged over the past five years, the rate of demand is slowing, according to a State Council report.

(Excerpt)

China’s power shortage eased considerably in 2005, and the situation will continue to improve in 2006, according to a recent report by the Development Research Center of the State Council, China’s parliament. The number of provinces that experienced blackouts dropped to 12 in 2005, from 26 in 2004. A slow-down in power demand, rapid growth in electricity generating capacity, and enhancements in the transmission network all contributed to the easing. While overall power consumption in China has surged over the past five years, the rate of demand is slowing, according to the State Council report.

China Watch (Worldwatch Institute), January 13, 2002