MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Save electricity?if not blackouts.

China has launched a massive national campaign to save electricity and avoid waste which includes raising air conditioners temperature and warnings of supply cuts to hotels that do not comply.

Facing the greatest energy shortage in two decades the Beijing Tourism Bureau announced it will request major hotels, particularly five stars, to reduce electricity consumption by 20% and if not has threatened with power cuts. Shopping malls that operate with "freezing" temperatures will also have to make a more rational and efficient use of electricity.

The Chinese government anticipating another season of severe energy shortage and supply complications wants to avoid last year's power cuts and blackouts which affected some of the most populated areas of the country such as Shangai.

The great expansion, many define it as overheating, of the Chinese economy is estimated will generate a 30 million kilowatts deficit this summer.

Citizens organizations are collaborating with the "26 Celsius Campaign" appealing to residents not to lower air conditioners below that temperature mark. They will also be visiting businesses, public buildings and offices to convince users to increase air conditioners' temperatures even if this mean suffering the consequences of the humid and hot Chinese summer.

Government offices in Shangai have requested staff to work with light clothing avoiding ties and jackets, and help keep room temperatures above 26 Celsius. Already 24 Chinese provinces and regions have imposed rotating power cuts.