During a press conference on October 8th, the State Council Information Office unveiled vital information regarding a comprehensive set of incremental policies aimed at fostering economic growth and enhancing development structures. Li Chunlin, the Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), discussed energy security, highlighting how early preparations have laid a solid foundation for energy supply.
When a reporter inquired about plans to ensure energy supply stability as regions approach the peak demand for electricity, heating, and gas this winter, Li assured that comprehensive measures had already been put in place following a Central Politburo meeting on September 26.
Addressing energy security, Li revealed that the NDRC has collaborated with relevant stakeholders to secure adequate energy supplies. He noted that coal production has remained stable nationwide, and regulated power plants are currently holding coal reserves exceeding 200 million tons—sufficient for over 30 days of operation, which is historically high for this period. He also mentioned that the northeastern region is well-prepared for winter. By the end of August, the country had an installed power generation capacity of 3.13 billion kilowatts. Despite challenges posed by increased reliance on renewable energy, enhanced smart dispatching and improved inter-provincial cooperation guarantee reliable electricity supply. In terms of natural gas, Li reported a plentiful supply, with peak shaving storage capacity up by 8 billion cubic meters compared to last year, and storage facilities being maximized as winter approaches.
Looking ahead, the NDRC intends to strengthen monitoring and analysis while ensuring accountability across all sectors to maintain stable energy supplies. Plans include increasing coal and natural gas production and supply, optimizing the operation of various power generation units, and boosting renewable energy utilization. The commission aims to raise coal and natural gas reserves, enhance cross-regional electricity dispatching, and ensure effective energy use during peak demand periods. Li emphasized that prioritizing the energy needs of the public will be crucial in minimizing disruptions during extreme weather or unexpected events.
Li acknowledged the challenges faced this past summer, including record-breaking extreme heat that pushed peak electricity demand to 1.451 billion kilowatts and daily consumption to 32.5 billion kilowatt-hours. He highlighted that energy supplies remained stable despite these pressures. The quick restoration of power was organized in response to temporary outages caused by typhoons and flooding. Collaborative efforts are expected to ensure a robust energy supply for the upcoming winter heating season, supporting economic recovery and providing warmth to the public.
Regarding the availability and pricing of essential consumer goods, Li confirmed that the market remains stable and well-supplied nationwide. There has been a boost in summer grain production, and autumn crop yields look promising. Livestock production levels are satisfactory, with abundant stocks of egg-laying chickens, and an increase in vegetable acreage has been noted. Furthermore, major cities have enough reserves of processed grains and cooking oils to meet consumer demand for over 15 days, while the capacity to regulate pork reserves continues to improve. Northern cities are ensuring sufficient vegetable supplies for the winter and spring months.
In response to the surge in consumer spending during the National Day holiday, many localities have introduced discounted sales and increased the supply of affordable goods to stabilize market prices. Moving forward, the NDRC plans to closely monitor market trends, particularly as winter and festive seasons approach. They aim to collaborate with key stakeholders to proactively address autumn and winter agricultural production, reinforce local reserve responsibilities, enhance production and sales links, facilitate logistics, and strengthen market regulation—all to ensure a stable supply of essential goods. These efforts are designed to create a conducive environment for the effective implementation of incremental policies.
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