Ningbo's power system is an important integral part of the network system in Zhejiang and East China. Since the beginning of the reform and opening to the outside world in 1978, the power consumption level in Ningbo has been on the rapid rise.

In 1978, 709 million kilowatts-hour was consumed and in 2000, the number was 11.348 billion kilowatts-hour, showing a yearly increase of 13.43 on average. The peak load has increased from 150,400 kilowatts in 1978 to 1,910,000 kilowatts in 2000, showing a yearly rise of 23.6% on average. To meet the demand for the rapid development of economy, the central government of China has made more investment in Ningbo power infrastructure. Projects such as Zhenhai Power Plant, Beilun Power Plant, Xikou Pumped Storage Station, and some local co-generation plants have been completed with the investments. Ningbo has become a key power base, with its power supplied not only to itself but also to other areas in Zhejiang Province.

Ningbo has also speeded up the pace of the construction of the necessary power transmission and transformer facilities. By the end of 2000, there have been more than 60 public transformer stations of 110 kilovolts(KV) with 118 main transformers and a gross transforming capacity of 6.825 million KVA. Of the 118 stations, there are 9 of 220 KV with 19 main transformers and a capacity of 2.58 million KVA, 51 of 110 KV with 99 main transformers and a capacity of 3.245 million KVA. The transmission line network has been gradually improved. So far there have been 111 power transmission lines of 110 kilovolts(KV), with a return circuit 1943 kilometers. The demand for electric power is basically satisfied in Ningbo.

By the end of 2000, Beilun power plant have built a large sized power plant with a capacity of 3 million kilowatt(KW), and set the third round of power transmission lines of 500KV. Zhenhai power plant has a capacity of 1.35 million KW. According to the plan to National Power Corporation, quicker steps will be taken in the construction and renovation of Ningbo rural and urban power networks. In 2001, we will set up 2 transformer stations with a transformer capacity of 0.3 million KVA and 20 transformers stations of 110KV and added with expansion with a transformer capacity of 1.36 million KVA.

Ningbo's ports provide favorable conditions for building a number of large sized power plants. The feasibility study has gone through evaluation. In the long run, Ningbo will become an important resource base in East China.