ENERGY SO TIGHT, CHINESE DOFF JACKETS

High hopes that China's tightly controlled society would reign in its raging demand for energy meet the uncontrollable power of nature. It could happen here.

Hu dons shirtsleeves, but energy demand surges
June 27, 2007 (AFP via Yahoo News)

WHO
China President Hu Jintao; Beijing Electric Power Co., Niu Jincang, spokesman;
the geography (click to enlarge)

WHAT
Record demand for electricity has pushed President Hu into holding a meeting in his shirtsleeves rather than increase air conditioning. He has urged workers to wear t-shirts so businesses will not have to expend so much energy cooling offices.

WHEN
President Hu’s shirtsleeve meeting was June 26.

WHERE
Beijing, the capital city of China

WHY
- June 28 Beijing temp was 37 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit). Electricity consumption from air conditioning: 11.22 million kilowatts, the highest ever. Max capacity: 13 million kilowatts.
- The heat emptied Tiananmen Square as tourists and visitors sought shade.
- Shanghai and other parts of the country have already had energy shortages this summer. The hot months are coming and worries about supply are growing.
- The 2006 Chinese goal of 20% energy consumption/GDP unit by 2010 failed.
and these are the projections that are EXPECTED! (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
- Niu Jincang: The company is taking measures to insure supply. (Like getting the president to hold meetings in shirtsleeves and urge people to wear t-shirts.)
- Xinhua News Agency: China's cabinet this month ordered that air-conditioning units in most public buildings be set no cooler than 26 degrees Celsius…