Electricity use grows at record rate

China's electricity consumption in 2003 grew at its fastest pace since China opened its economy to the world in 1979, but slow capacity expansion means power shortages will continue.

The country consumed 15.4% more electricity than in 2002 but total power generation capacity expanded about half as fast, at about 7.8%.

This resulted in ongoing power shortages in 21 of the 31 provinces and self-administrative regions.