The National Development and Reform Commission said it will further improve power generation capacity, optimize operating procedures and diversify the supply of thermal coal to ensure a smooth power supply during the winter.

The recent power shortages in Central China's Hunan and East China's Jiangxi provinces are mainly due to the rapid growth of industrial production and the cold weather. However, the current power supply remains stable and residential power consumption remains unaffected, Zhao Chenxin, secretary-general of the National Development and Reform Commission, said at a news conference in Beijing on Monday.

Zhang said that recent power shortages in some Chinese regions are singular cases and the nation's energy supplies, including power, is generally secure.

The supply of coal remains sufficient during the winter heating season, he said.