Power shortages in the Yangtze River Delta threaten economic development in this important region, according to a report by Xinhua. Summer temperatures that reached 50-year highs have led to heavy power use in the area and frequent power shortages.
Only July 14, Zhejiang's power load reached nearly 15.9m kw against a provincial grid capacity of 10m kw. Despite being able to purchase power from other grids, shortages in the region have been common. On July 22, Hangzhou municipal government asked commercial electricity users to turn on only half their cooling equipment. Lights for advertisements were also turned off during periods of peak demand. In Shanghai, factories were closed on certain days to save power.
