It is reported that the winter peak for power consumption has arrived in most regions throughout China. However, continuous snow and heavy fog have exasperated traffic conditions making the transportation of coal difficult. Coal storage levels in eastern China are nearing warning levels.

The Beijing Gaojing Thermal Power Plant is responsible for the heating and power generation for northwest Beijing. It should have coal stores of around 100,000 tonnes but these have now been reduced to 70,000. Three trains are used to send coal to the factory everyday. However, only two trains have arrived in the past three days.

Mr Shen Gang Head of Gaojing Thermal Power Plant said "As a result of the severe weather, our coal stores have decreased greatly. Now we consume more than 7000 tonnes of coal everyday but less than 6000 tonnes come in. The situation is severe."

According to data, the safe level for Beijing coal stores should be around 300,000 tonnes but the figure has now plunged to 190,000. Storage amounts for China Datang Company, one of the country's five biggest power generators have been dropping by 30,000 tonnes on a daily basis.

(Sourced from www.entrancechina.org)