China's state planner said on May 28 it recently held a national video conference to arrange energy supply work for the upcoming summer peak demand season, as the country's power generation capacity has expanded significantly.

China's installed power generation capacity reached 3,990 GW by end-April, up 500 GW from a year earlier, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said.

Coal stocks at major power plants exceeded 200 million tonnes, with average availability of over 30 days, a relatively high level. Medium- and long-term energy contracts have been signed and fulfilled at high rates, securing the supply and price stability "baseline", the NDRC said.

Energy supply and demand are expected to be broadly balanced during the summer peak, ensuring overall security for economic activity and residential use.

The NDRC urged regional authorities and companies to fully recognize the importance, complexity and long-term nature of summer peak supply work, focus on key regions and periods, closely monitor and adjust operations, and fully implement all supply measures.

Key tasks include ensuring stable coal and gas production and supply, strengthening coal transport for power generation, and fulfilling medium- and long-term contracts for power, coal and gas. Grid operators should optimize dispatch to maximize generation from all sources.

Inter-provincial power exchanges should be enhanced through the unified national power market, with timely emergency dispatch as a backstop.

Demand-side management should prioritize energy conservation and market-based demand response, with orderly power use plans as a last resort.

Emergency response plans should be prepared for extreme weather such as typhoons, heavy rain and floods, with pre-positioned repair resources and backup power for households and key users.

Safety production rules must be strictly enforced, with clear accountability and red lines.