China's west-to-east power grids now have a capacity of 34 million kilowatts after new lines were put into operation in 2006, according to the latest report issued by the China Electricity Council (CEC).

The report said the construction of power lines received investments totaling 210.57 billion yuan in 2006, up 38 percent from last year. These funds contributed to the construction of about 35,144.7 kilometers of power lines

The rapid expansion of the power grids has helped to ease some of the power shortages in China, but it is still imperative to continue expansion in order to satisfy the growing demand for electricity, the report said.

The west-to-east electricity transmission program, under continued expansion over the next five years, delivers power from the electricity-rich west to east China where much of the country's manufacturing industry is based.

(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2007)