The ongoing coal shortage has strained power supplies in central China, prompting the State Grid Corporation ask for assistance from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China Business Net reported (in Chinese). Bad weather, including snowstorms, has blocked the transportation of fuel in the region. Central China’s coal stockpiles have dropped to 5.57 million tons – nearly half the standard level – and will only be able last another seven days. As of Monday, central provinces except Henan have implemented emergency restrictions on electricity use, mainly targeted at industry, to secure grid safety. The NDRC has required related government departments arrange transportation and ensure power supply for key plants.