Official statistics indicated that on Wednesday, more than 4.2 billion kwh of electricity was used, up 18.8 percent over the same day last year, and Thursday witnessed an increase of 22.1 percent to 4 billion kwh.

However, there were no reports on blackout throughout the country during the period as power generating enterprises were in full operation, said officials with the State Electricity Regulation Center.

China is facing power shortages due to fast economic growth, especially in the economically booming coastal regions.

According to the State Grid Corporation, China's electricity consumption would grow to 2,091 billion kwh in 2004, up 207 billion kwh over 2003.

(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2004)