Grid upgrades strengthen power supply for medicinal herb hub in Shandong

State Grid Juxian County Power Supply Company has reinforced the power network in Kushan town in Rizhao, Shandong province, a well‑known area for both calligraphy art and traditional Chinese herb production. To support the stable growth of the local red sage and skullcap industry, the company carried out line inspections at planting bases and visited processing enterprises to collect electricity‑use information, ensuring reliable power across the entire supply chain.

Kushan town has more than 30 years of herb‑farming history, with about 23,500 mu (1,566.67 hectares) of cultivated land and a large centralized processing park. As deep‑processing equipment such as dryers and extractors drive rising electricity demand, the utility proactively upgraded the grid to match industrial expansion.

This year, the company installed 3.3 kilometers of insulated overhead lines, added seven pole‑mounted switches, replaced over 600-meter boxes, and upgraded more than 8,000 meters of aging service cables.

These efforts reshaped the local distribution network, improving insulation and operational safety. One processing enterprise owner said that he now felt confident running drying equipment without voltage fluctuations or outages, which would ensure smooth harvest processing.

The utility also stepped up inspections, conducting 58 specialized line patrols and fixing 14 hazards, including damaged lines and overheating equipment. While local artists create calligraphy and paintings, power staff devote themselves to careful maintenance, supporting regional development.

Looking ahead, the company coordinates with park planning, reserves sufficient capacity, and implements staggered power supply during peak seasons. It will soon commission two 10 kV interconnection projects and one rural grid upgrade, weaving a stronger network to guarantee stable electricity for standardized cultivation and high‑quality processing of authentic herbs in Kushan town.