Power Crisis Looming

China's largest electricity supplier, the State Grid Corporation, predicts a record high power shortfall this summer. According to vice general manger Shuai Junqing, in the 26 provinces where the company operates the gap could reach 30 to 40 million kW at peak periods. The coal scarcity could tip the balance to produce extensive blackouts in some regions. The power crisis is largely regional, however. The most vulnerable areas are northern, eastern and central China, while the northeast and northwest grids will see a surplus of 13 million and 14 million kW respectively. Mr. Shuai cited laggard development of trans-regional grids, among other factors, as the cause.