'Modest' rise in price of electricity planned to help save energy

BEIJING - A multistep electricity pricing system, in which household tariffs will increase with usage, is being planned by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

The nation's top economic planner said on Saturday that the moves will help encourage energy conservation.

Under one proposal, the residential tariff for households with a monthly electricity usage under 110 kilowatt-hour (kWh) will remain unchanged at 0.48 yuan (7.2 cents) per kWh, but consumption between 110 kWh and 210 kWh will be charged at 0.53 yuan per kWh. Electricity used above 210 kWh will cost 0.68 yuan per kWh.