China’s 2009 Power Output, Demand to Extend Declines

(Bloomberg) — Power demand and output in China, the world’s second-biggest consumer of energy, will continue to fall this year because of slower economic growth, said the State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Power stations will operate at reduced rates, the Beijing- based commission said in a statement posted on its Web site today. “Unsolved problems” in coal and power pricing will add to operational difficulties, it said.


Economic growth in China has slowed for five consecutive quarters and its 9-percent third-quarter expansion was the weakest in five years. Power consumption is declining as companies in industries from metals to toys reduce production or close down after the global recession cut demand for exports.

“Affected by the changes in the international and domestic economies, China’s electricity market has made a significant shift from supply shortage to sluggish demand since October,” the commission said.

Bloomberg