Citizens asked to keep room temperatures within 18 degrees to save natural gas in NW China

Residents in a northwestern Chinese city of Xi'an have been told to keep their indoor temperatures between 16 to 18 degrees Celsius during the heating-service period this winter, in a bid to save natural gas.

The move came after Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province, witnessed a tension of natural gas supply during the past month of this winter.

Meanwhile, governmental organs, businesses, commercial and office buildings, shopping malls, classrooms and other public places were also asked to keep their temperatures within 18 degrees, according to a bulletin issued by the municipal government of Xi'an.

For hotels and entertainment places, they can adjust their temperatures to 20 degrees, but no more, according to the bulletin.

All natural gas users were required to regulate the heating and temperatures along with changes of weather conditions, the bulletin said.

In times of natural gas shortage, the government will offer gas supply only at designated periods and designated volume, and citizens are encouraged to use alternative energies such as solar energy, the bulletin said.

"A no man's place must be cut off heating service," it said.

Similar practices have been adopted in Beijing.

The Chinese capital has asked hotels in the city to keep their temperatures between 20 to 22 degrees during the heating-service period for the winter.

Meanwhile, shopping malls, office buildings and other public areas are to keep their temperatures within 18 degrees.

In Chinese cities, the heating service period generally runs from Nov. 15 this year to March 15 next year.

The central government has asked the nation to endeavor to build an energy-saving society.

Source: Xinhua