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The Environment
CLP Power also has the right to use up to 50 per cent of the 1,200MW capacity of Phase 1 of the Guangzhou Pumped Storage Power Station at Conghua. Off-peak period electricity from the CAPCO system and the Guangdong Nuclear Power Station is stored in the pumped storage power station, which generates hydro-electricity to meet Hong Kong's demand during peak. periods.
There are regulations under the Electricity Ordinance governing the registration of electrical contractors and workers and competent persons, safety of electrical wiring, supply of safe household electrical products and protection of electricity supply lines from third party damage.
Climate
Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate. January and February are cloudier, with occasional cold weather. March and April are milder but humid with occasional fog. From May to August, it is hot and humid with occasional heavy rain and thunderstorms. Tropical cyclones usually affect Hong Kong between June and October, often bringing high winds and widespread heavy rain. November and December are the months of the year with pleasant breezes, plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures.
The Year's Weather
While temperatures overall in 2012 were slightly above normal in Hong Kong, January and February were significantly colder than usual because of the stronger winter monsoon over South China under the influence of La Nina'. The temperature at the Hong Kong Observatory fell to a minimum of 7.4 degrees on 25 January, the lowest during the Lunar New Year holidays since 1996. Rainfall in 2012 was about 20 per cent below normal.
Five tropical cyclones required tropical cyclone warnings to be issued, of which Severe Typhoon Vicente was the first tropical cyclone requiring the Hurricane Signal No 10 (the highest tropical cyclone warning signal in Hong Kong) since Typhoon York in September 1999. The Hong Kong Observatory issued the Hurricane Signal No 10 on 24 July during Vicente's passage. Packing estimated maximum sustained winds of 155 km/hr near its centre, Vicente passed about 100 km to the southwest of Hong Kong, and was the most distant tropical cyclone to require the No 10 Signal in Hong Kong since 1946. Vicente intensified rapidly within around 30 hours prior to its closest approach to Hong Kong, strengthening by three categories from a tropical storm to a severe typhoon. Such rapid intensification of tropical cyclones near the territory is rare. At least 138 people were injured during Vicente's passage and around 8,800 trees were felled.
Under the dominance of a warm maritime airstream, April and May were exceptionally warm. August was one of the hottest Augusts on record, which was mainly attributed to the prevalence of the dry subsiding airstream associated with tropical cyclones Saola, Kai-tak and Tembin.
1 La Nina is characterised by sea surface temperatures significantly below normal in the central and
eastern equatorial Pacific.
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