Pingyao boosts electricity supply

Pingyao has accelerated its transformation of electric power facilities to ensure that eco-friendly heating facilities are available to 1,000 local households from Nov 1.

The project costing 15 million yuan ($2.21 million) includes transformation of 21 substations, low-voltage lines of 20 km and 10 kV lines of 5 km. It was completed on Oct 27.

"To improve the power supply of the ancient town this winter, our company has expanded generation capacity at our substations to 630 kVA and wire diameter to the maximum," said Zhao Fangyi, manager of the Pingyao branch of State Grid Shanxi Electric Power Co.

As the winter comes, the demand for heating rockets in the small town, which means heavy air pollution from the burning of coal. The project substituted regenerative electric heating equipment and heat pumps that use the energy in the air to generate heat for traditional coal stoves.

When the project is finished, it will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2,620 tons and sulfur dioxide by 8,500 kg, according to the director of Jinzhong environmental protection agency. The energy-saving project will offer local residents and businesses an eco-friendly way to enjoy a warm winter.