Utility providers gear up for cold wave in Shanghai

Shanghai is experiencing the coldest temperature in decades this weekend, as the cold wave is sweeping the city with snowfalls. Weather forecast to fall as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius in the outskirts. Utility providers are gearing up for the cold snap.

It is one of the coldest weekends in Shanghai in decades. Just like many others, Fan Qingjuan chose stay at home and to monitor weather reports with four heaters on to stay warm.

"It is too cold to go out. I have bought many groceries in advance, and will stay indoors at much as possible," said Fan Qingjuan, Shanghai resident.

In the past winters, Fan used only one heater because her old apartment cannot accommodate big power loads.

But since the local power company has replaced all old cables across the city, Fan and other residents can use as many heating installations as they want.

The cold wave has put a lot of pressure on the power supply in Shanghai. As there is no city-wide central heating system here, the electricity consumption is expected to hit a peak.

To make sure the public will not worry about power outages and any emergencies to be caused by the shivering weather, specialist teams from the local power company are put on standby.

"Usually we check this transformer substation every 20 days. Low temperature could cause water pipes and cables frozen, so we are checking here twice a week to make sure everything runs smoothly," said Tao Yinong, worker of state Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Co.

Utility providers have also said they have adjusted their working schedules to ensure the public has sufficient water and gas supply during the chilly period.