China's electric power shortage may climb to more than 30 million kilowatts this summer, its greatest ever, according to figures released by the State Grid Corp. of China.

Of the total, 25 million kw will be experienced in north China and 7 million in the country's south, said the national power grid company.

Though strain on the country's power supply has tended to ease to some extent, the whole situation remains stark in 2005, said Liu Zhenya, head of the company.

Thursday's Economic Daily said China has started a nationwide move to handle this summer's power consumption peak.

"We will improve emergency plans for the county's power use and enhance management practices that feature power saving and efficiency so as to meet the demands," said Liu.

Southern China is expected to suffer the most serious shortage.

Statistics from the China Southern Power Grid show its grid is expected to face a 7-million-kw shortage this summer given that its extreme load is only 15.8 percent over the previous year of 43. 421 kw.

"The shortage could well expand during peak times due to a lack of coal and water supply in power plants," said Yuan Maozhen, head of the company.

Last year, 24 out of China's 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions imposed power cuts and frequent blackouts as power demand soared.

Source: Xinhua