China's Power Consumption Surges in August

State Grid Tianjin Electric Co., Ltd., prepares trucks and equipment for emergency lighting to assist with the rescue operation in Binhai New District of north China's Tianjin Municipality, Aug. 13, 2015. [Photo: Xinhua]

New stats suggest China's electricity consumption has surged about 3 percent year-on-year in August, a positive indicator for economic expansion.

According to China's top economic planner, China used over 460 billion kilowatt hours of electricity from Aug. 1 to 28.

This is also nearly 5 percentage points higher than in July.

In the first half of this year, electricity consumption in China has added 1.3 percent, with the growth rate hitting a five-year low.

The latest figure also shows China's rail freight for coal, steel, iron and petroleum remained stable in August, a sight expansion from July.

Li Yangzhe with the National Development and Reform Commission explains the latest stats.

"Judging from the current situation, the power consumption for August is likely to keep the 3 percent growth year on year, and it will continue to climb in September. Based on these factors, the economic operation showed a positive sign."

Last month, both the official and Caixin General China Purchasing Managers' Indices have renewed their contraction.