Chongqing measures to save power during heat wave

Some of Chongqing's shopping malls adjusted their hours of operation — opening from 4 pm to 9 pm — on Monday because of a power shortage brought by the lingering heat wave.

According to a notice released on Sunday by the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Economy and Information, power supply was disrupted by the heat wave and wildfires recently. Shopping malls in the city's several districts and counties are included in the power conservation plan in hope of ensuring the supply for residents' homes.

Recovery times will be announced based on temperatures and power conditions, the notice said.

In addition, multiple districts in the central urban area, including Yuzhong district, turned off power to landscape lighting on Sunday night.

According to State Grid Chongqing Electric Power Co, peak load in Chongqing has reached historic highs. More than half the load comes from air conditioning, a 30.9 percent increase over last year. Demand remains at a high level.

The city has taken a number of power saving measures to tackle the problem. For example, subways are in a "rationed power consumption mode", with stations and carriages turning off most of their lights. Residents are encouraged to save electricity at home.