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September 7, 2010

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Big power cuts ordered

AUTHORITIES in a county of northern China are so eager for energy savings, they have imposed a 22-hour power cut every three days, even involving traffic lights.

The electricity and water cut-off plan, which started on Friday and is to last until end of this year, is meant to make up for the failure by the government of Anping County, Hebei Province, to hit energy-saving targets this year.

The county - a large energy consumer driven by a booming wire mesh processing industry - has been urged to decrease energy use year-on-year by 6.6 percent, reported yesterday's Beijing Times.

However, the county's energy savings only dropped 0.9 percent in the first six months and it has rushed to make up for the remaining on the target.

The government then ordered power cut from 9pm to 7pm in all residential houses, shops, schools, hospitals and even streets.

The action has aroused public complaints, with people saying they can't work, cook meals, take bath or even relieve themselves due to lack of water to clean the toilets.

A doctor at Peoples' Hospital of Anping County said the hospital received notice that the power will be cut from 6am to 8pm every four days. The interval was later shortened to every two days.

However, authorities told reporters that even if the plan is carried out, the quota won't be met and they are considering a new plan.


 

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