China was very cold in most parts last week and the situation was worsened by a severe coal shortage which forced power cuts and rationing in large parts of north and central China.
In the northern province of Shaanxi, 14 major thermal power stations only had four days worth of coal stocks left, with reserves at two power stations already running out.
Many plants and residents in Shaanxi have been warned of impending blackouts, while a 12,000-household compound in the provincial capital of Xian is facing power cuts for the next 10 days.
Similar shortages have also gripped other provinces, including coal-rich Shanxi in the north and Henan in central China, as well as the southwestern mega city of Chongqing.
domainB.com reports experts have blamed the shortages on soaring coal prices, insufficient logistics facilities and increasing transportation costs.