A massive nationwide energy-saving campaign has been launched, as China will again face serious electricity shortages this summer.

The latest report by the State Information Center shows this year will be worse than 2003, when more than half of the nation suffered from shortages.

But it did have some good news, saying the problem will be alleviated next year as more power generators will come online. In 2006, the power demand will be basically satisfied nationwide.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) predicted earlier this year that China's power consumption would grow by 11 percent year-on-year to 2.1 trillion kilowatt hours this year.

The generating capacity, however, is expected to increase by only 9.6 percent year-on-year, or 37,200 megawatts.

To campaign has been launched to gulf the gap and Shanghai is taking the lead.

Air conditioners in all shopping malls, offices and hotels are not allowed to be set lower than 26 C, the local government has ruled. And the city will use 400,000 energy-saving light bulbs in schools and other places throughout the summer.

The measures in Beijing are not so strict, as the municipal government is merely suggesting that people do not set their air conditioners on very low temperatures.

But the capital will increase electricity prices in peak periods in a bid to decrease power consumption and encourage use during non-peak times. Residents will not pay more for power this year.

The measures are also part of China's three-year national campaign to save and promote the comprehensive use of major resources so sustainable economic and social development can be maintained.

Earlier this month, the State Council called on all localities to join the efforts to save and make effective use of resources such as energy, raw materials, water and land.

"The insufficient supply of resources has become a major factor holding back economic and social development," the State Council said.

The three-year campaign, which was initiated earlier this year, is aimed at markedly improving the effective use of resources.

To assist in achieving its energy-saving goal, more efficient lighting products will be used throughout China, said NDRC official Liu Xianfa.

He said the NDRC is currently drafting the country's 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-10) and the 2020 Development Plan.

Great efforts should be made to encourage and promote the use of highly efficient energy-saving lighting products in industrial projects, public facilities and households, he said.

The government is also encouraging international co-operation in the sector to help promote the development of advanced energy-saving lighting technology and products.

(China Daily May 28, 2004)