Tibet not to raise electricity rates

14:36, November 25, 2009

Tibet has not yet decided to raise electricity rates, according to Wang Jingran, director of the Pricing Division of Tibet's Development and Reform Commission, according to Chinatibetnews.com.

"Tibet's power grid is not connected to the national power grid. So, the adjustment of current electricity rates will not affect our region," Wang said.

Last week China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced a hike as of Nov. 20 in electricity rates for non-residential use by 2.8 fen (6.83 yuan equals one U.S. dollar) per kilowatt-hour on average nationwide.

According to the NDRC, residential electricity rates would not be raised this time. However, electricity would be charged on a progressive basis in the future, which means a consumption-related rate.

The pricing standard will be set by provinces and autonomous regions in line with local circumstances, said Cao Changqing, director of the NDRC's department of pricing.

Tibet adjusted its electricity rates on July 1, 2009. The current electricity rates for residential use is 0.49 yuan per kwh and no decision has been made to raise the region's electricity rates for non-residential use.

Source: Xinhuanet