Step in right direction

The suggestion made by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission that tariffs on electricity sold by power grids may be further raised is a commendable step to heighten energy-saving awareness among the public.

The country's falling inflation has surely given policymakers more room to maneuver to introduce power price hikes. But they do not have to take eased inflationary pressure as a prerequisite to boost energy conservation. The urgent need to raise the country's energy efficiency alone justifies more hikes in power tariffs.

It was reported that officials from the electricity regulator said at a news conference on Thursday that the commission had submitted a report to the State Council proposing measures for price reforms and improving the pricing mechanism. The measures include allowing prices to be determined by the market and charging intensive users higher rates.