A utility in Jilin even warned power shortages could disrupt water supplies at any time, before apologising for causing alarm. - At any cost -The power crunch has taken hold as a shortage of coal supplies, toughening greenhouse emission standards and strong demand from manufacturers and industry have pushed coal prices to record highs and triggered widespread curbs on usage. Jilin governor Han urged companies to fulfil their "social responsibilities" and "overcome the difficulties" caused by coal price rises. It said China needed to increase the production and supply of coal while guaranteeing safety and environmental protection. "This is about coal generators unable to operate their plants profitably, in most cases," he said.
