OUR China started providing electricity with a bulletin to professionals in the southwestern part of the country due to high temperatures Demand for them is rising as hydroelectric plants face weak water flows, according to state media.

In southwest China’s Sichuan province, temperatures have regularly topped 40 degrees Celsius in recent days, leading to near-regular air conditioning use in a region of 84 million people.

Sichuan is 80% dependent on hydroelectric power to generate the electricity it needs. However, according to China’s Ministry of Water Resources, waterways in the region are suffering from drought.

In order to save energy, 19 cities in the province have ordered factories and businesses to shut down, according to a statement released on Sunday and circulated by state media.

This measure, which will be in effect until Saturday, does not apply to individuals.

However, some businesses may operate with limited capacity to meet special needs.

Sichuan is an important region in China for the production of lithium, a metal used in electric batteries.

The plant of Taiwanese technology giant Foxconn, which is the main supplier of the American Apple, has largely suspended production.

The restrictions are expected to cut lithium production by at least 1,200 tonnes, pushing up the price of lithium carbonate, analyst Susan Chu of Rystad Energy told AFP.

The coastal provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangsu in eastern China, and Anhui, also in the eastern part of the country, have also introduced electricity meters for professionals.

On Monday, China re-declared a red alert due to extreme heat in several areas.

Midsummer heat waves are not uncommon in China, especially in its western and southern parts.

However, according to scientists, they seem to be intensifying in recent years due to climate deregulation.

^{Source: APE-MEB, AFP.}