The State Council on Feb 22 forwarded a document issued by the National Development and Reform Commission on a new round of upgrades for the rural power network during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20).

The measure is expected to improve rural infrastructure, drive up consumption and spur the development of related industries.

According to the plan, China will provide stable and reliable power supplies to rural areas in the entire country by 2020 with enhanced services. Reliability of power supplies is expected to reach 99.8 percent, while the qualified rate of integrated voltage will rise to 97.9 percent.

A smart, effective and modern rural power network will be established with reasonable structure and advanced technology. In eastern regions, equal power supply services will be extended to both urban and rural areas, while in central and western regions, the urban-rural gap will be narrowed drastically.

In particular, the National Development and Reform Commission called for the upgrade of power facilities in new towns, central villages and for agricultural production. Diversified investments in rural power networks are also encouraged.