Reforms will power change across electricity industry

China, the world's largest electricity consumer, is exploring the possibility of allowing private and foreign capital in some power-related businesses like sales and distribution as part of its ongoing reforms for the sector, a top planning official said on Wednesday.

The State Council had issued a reform plan, Opinions Regarding the Deepening of the Power Sector's Reform, in mid-March, that among other things sought to encourage competition in the sector and called for a revamp of the existing pricing system.

The plan allows gradual infusion of social capital in the power sales and newly added distribution business, while the electricity transmission business will remain with power grid companies.