China's power shortfall has been lower than expected so far in the third quarter.

A senior government official says the shortfall since June has been only 20,000 megawatts, lower than the 30,000 megawatts forecast. China Radio International reported Monday.

He says that supply and demand should reach a balance in 2006, with a slight chance of a surplus capacity the following year.

The cooler weather ahead and signs of a slowing in economic growth signal an end to this year's power crisis.

China is adding 40,000 megawatts to its power generation capacity this year and plans to build facilities to provide another 160,000 have been approved.

Source: CRI