Electricity usage in Shanghai rebounds as city recovers from COVID-19 outbreak

The electricity consumption of local enterprises in Shanghai has been rebounding with the gradual resumption of work and production, according to the Shanghai office of State Grid Corporation of China.

State Grid data shows that the electricity consumption in the first three weeks of May had reached over 78 percent of the level of the same period last year, growing at an average weekly rate of 2.25 percent.

Specifically, the average daily electricity consumption in industrial enterprises with annual revenues from principal business of over 20 million yuan ($3 million) has reached 83 percent of the same period last year.

"We'll ensure the supply of power by accelerating maintenance, technical transformation, and preparation for emergencies such as typhoon and flood before demand peaks in the summer," said Ruan Qiantu, a manager at the Shanghai office of the State Grid, at a news briefing on Friday.

"We will also focus on ensuring services for companies that have resumed business. We've been inspecting the current operational situations in these companies, offering assistance to them in terms of safety inspection of internal power supply and consumption facilities to avoid hazards and carry out modifications," he added.

"Moreover, residents who face difficulties paying electricity bills due to the epidemic will benefit from favorable policies including fine reductions or exemptions and no power cuts if bills have not been paid in time."