Beijing is stepping up the construction of power networks to ensure a stable electricity supply during the 2008 Olympic Games, when demand is expected to hit a record level.

Electricity consumption in the city may reach up to 15 million kilowatts during the event next August, already a month with a high power demand, according to North China Power Grid (NCPG).

The maximum power load during the period will reach 35 million kilowatt in the Jingjintang Grid which supplies power to Beijing, Tianjin, and Tangshan in neighboring Hebei Province, NCPG said.

NCPG has invested 17.2 billion yuan (US$2.3 billion) in power grid construction and rebuilding projects since last year. Construction of nine 500 kv transformer substations around Beijing are scheduled to be completed before August next year.

The peak power load in the city reached a record 11.4 million kw in June, however, the maximum demand this summer is estimated to reach about 13 million kw.

Electricity demand in Beijing fluctuates with climate changes and the city greatly relies on power imported from other areas.

The use of air-conditioning was the main cause of the rising consumption during summer.

Chinese people have been told to go easy on the air-conditioning to reduce energy consumption and office workers have been advised to wear light, casual clothes rather than formal suits.

The State Council, or the cabinet, in early June issued a circular, banning temperatures lower than 26 degrees in all air-conditioned public buildings in China.

(Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2007)