MNI BRIEF: China NDRC Optimising Power Demand Over Summer

Authorities will optimise demand-side power management during the critical period of summer electricity demand, Jiang Yi, director of the Policy Research Office and Spokesperson of the National Development and Reform Commission, told reporters on Friday, noting this year's usage was close to or slightly higher than normal.

“We will support energy conservation and ensure orderly power consumption, adhering to the principles of prioritising demand,” Jiang added. 

Significant investment in China’s energy infrastructure over the past two years has helped reduce chances of widespread industrial disruptions this summer despite record-breaking temperatures, an energy policy expert told MNI, adding that the overall impact on manufacturing and economic activity is likely to remain limited. (See MNI INTERVIEW: China Power Surge Unlikely to Hit)