With cold breeze expected to continue sweeping across China this week, electrical companies are coming up with emergency tactics to cope the potentially growing demand for electrical heat. 

According to Wang Hailong, deputy chief engineer of Harbin's State Grid Heilongjiang Electricity Power Company,  demand for electrical heating increases annually during winter. Thus, the establishment is bracing itself for the upsurge of requests. He claimed that stations have been inspected and workers deployed in every station in case of an emergency.

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Wang revealed that the greatest challenge during cold season is liquefying gas. He explained that a temperature of negative 40 degrees Celcius can only result in device malfunction and it needs to be operated in an insulated condition.

However, Wang expressed confidence that shortage of electricity is unlikely even under extreme conditions. Over 3000 electricians have reportedly been mobilized for repairs in case there is power interruption. In 2008, most regions in southern China had to bear with electricity shortage amid the winter season.

Meanwhile, Zhejiang power company reportedly replaced 13 power lines that did not meet the standards under critical cold scenarios by the end of 2015. 

Meteorologists have predicted that the southern parts will suffer from a decrease of temperature by 14 degrees Celcius, with cities including Shanghai and Changsha experiencing its lowest drop after three decades. On Tuesday, Shanghai has reported its winter high record of power usage at 28.83 million kilowatts. And it is forecast to increase by nearly 24 million kilowatts in the coming week. 

To prepare for the icy cold weather, the Chinese government has suspended classes, temporarily closed highways and put emergency teams on standby as cold from the south is predicted to travel along Yangtze River, bringing up to 30 mm of snow. 

Tagswinter, cold season, china, Electricity, power supply