National Energy Administration: The country's electricity load reached a new high in the winter of 2026, exceeding 1.4 billion kilowatts for the first time in winter load history.

On January 20th, according to the National Energy Administration, the national electricity load in 2026 set a new winter high, with the winter load exceeding 1.4 billion kilowatts for the first time, reaching a peak of 1.417 billion kilowatts. The daily electricity consumption exceeded 30 billion kilowatt-hours for the first time in winter, marking a critical period for ensuring heating supply. The National Energy Administration has deployed a "one policy for one province" strategy to implement response measures and ensure smooth and orderly heating supply throughout this winter and the coming spring, fully guaranteeing a warm winter for the people. First, the electricity load has continuously reached new highs since the beginning of winter. On January 4th, the country's maximum electricity load reached 1.351 billion kilowatts, setting a new historical high for winter loads. Since January 18th, due to the widespread impact of cold waves, the national electricity load has rapidly increased, with an increase of 150 million kilowatts in three days, equivalent to the largest annual electricity load in Japan. From the 19th onwards, there have been two consecutive days of setting a new winter high, with 13.79 billion kilowatts on the 19th and surpassing 14 billion kilowatts for the first time on the 20th, reaching a peak of 14.17 billion kilowatts. Since the start of winter, the electricity grids in three regions including North China, Northwest China, Northeast China, as well as 12 provincial-level grids such as Xinjiang and Tibet, have set historical highs 75 times. Secondly, the total electricity consumption in society has remained high. Since the beginning of this year, the daily electricity consumption nationwide has been consistently high. On January 5th, the daily electricity consumption exceeded 30 billion kilowatt-hours for the first time in winter. On January 5th to 7th and January 19th, the daily electricity consumption exceeded 30 billion kilowatt-hours, reaching 300.4 billion, 301.9 billion, 301.5 billion, and 304.7 billion kilowatt-hours respectively. This has further enhanced China's winter energy security capability. The National Energy Administration has taken proactive measures to guarantee the smooth and orderly supply of electricity, overcoming challenges such as significant fluctuations in new energy outputs and equipment failures caused by rain, snow, and freezing disasters. They have ensured a stable and reliable electricity supply to meet heating demands. Going forward, the National Energy Administration will continue to guide and supervise local areas and relevant electricity companies to effectively implement winter heating supply work, monitor changes in electricity supply and demand daily, coordinate and resolve potential risks and issues promptly, and ensure stable electricity supply and warm winters for the people.