Zhejiang has launched preparations for autumn and winter power supply, with the province's peak electricity load expected to reach 120 GW this winter, according to State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power.

The province's peak load during midday and evening hours this winter is forecast to reach 120 GW and 112 GW respectively, up 8.7% and 9.7% year on year, the grid operator said. The supply-demand balance is expected to remain tight under normal conditions, with potential gaps under extreme scenarios such as severe cold waves, low hydropower output, gas shortages and weak solar generation.

To bolster supply, Zhejiang plans to add about 10.4 GW of installed capacity by the end of December, including 4.63 GW of conventional units. State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power will invest 31.5 billion yuan ($4.67 billion) in power grids above 35 kV this year, with 77 projects planned for completion, covering 1,229 km of transmission lines and 4.76 million kVA of transformer capacity. Key projects include the phase-four expansion of Jiaxing power plant and supporting transmission projects for Zhoushan Yushan and Jintang power plants.

As the annual autumn maintenance period begins, the grid operator will carry out anti-icing, anti-freezing and anti-pollution flashover measures, complete maintenance on de-icing devices for 193 ice-prone lines, and improve emergency response plans for rain, snow and freezing disasters. A one-hour emergency response circle and cross-regional support mechanisms will be established to ensure rapid recovery from power outages in extreme weather.

In terms of market adjustment, Zhejiang will develop multi-timescale market-based instruments and tap over 3 GW of user-side energy storage resources to respond flexibly to demand fluctuations.

The grid operator will also optimize power supply services, conduct safety inspections for high-risk and important users, and ensure reliable power supply through the winter peak.