ENG-1996 — Page 299

LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES

China and electricity is exported to Guangdong Province. Such sales are made from existing reserve generating capacity and are governed by an agreement with the government, signed in March 1992, under which CLP's consumers receive priority of supply and 80 per cent of the profit from the sales.

CLP has a contract with the China Merchants Steam Navigation Company Limited for the supply of electricity, for 20 years starting from late 1986, to the industrial zone of Shekou and the adjacent Chi Wan area, both in Guangdong. The arrangements, which afford Shekou a reliable electricity supply without subsidy from Hong Kong consumers, is illustrative of the close co-operation on energy matters which has developed on both sides of the border.

In 1985, the Hong Kong Nuclear Investment Company (a wholly-owned subsidiary of CLP) and the Guangdong Nuclear Investment Company (wholly owned by the Chinese Ministry of Nuclear Industry) established the Guangdong Nuclear Power Joint Venture Company, to construct and operate a nuclear power station at Daya Bay in Guangdong. This comprises two 985MW pressurised water reactors which went into commercial operation in February and May 1994, respectively. CLP undertook to buy about 70 per cent of the station's power to meet part of the longer- term demand for electricity in its supply area.

CLP through its affiliated company, the Hong Kong Pumped Storage Development Company Limited, has bought the right to use 50 per cent of the capacity of the Guangzhou Pumped Storage Power Station, at Conghua. The total installed capacity of the current phase is 1200MW. Off-peak electricity from the Castle Peak Stations and Guangdong Nuclear Power Station is used to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper one. The water is allowed to flow downhill during the day to generate electricity to meet Hong Kong's peak demand.

The Electricity Ordinance, and its subsidiary regulations, set out the standards to be adhered by registered electrical contractors and workers while undertaking electrical wiring work. To be eligible for registration under the ordinance, applicants must possess the necessary experience and qualifications. The government regularly organises examinations for applicants to acquire the necessary qualifications for registration. At the end of December 1996, more than 7 800 electrical contractors and 52 000 workers held valid registration. In 1996, the government conducted 3 580 site inspections to check the safety standards of electrical installations and electrical product supply outlets, and 41 people were prosecuted for contravention of the ordinance.

Legislation to ensure the sale of safe plugs and adaptors came into effect in March 1995. More comprehensive legislation, which provides statutory control over the safety of all household electrical products will come into effect in 1997.

Hong Kong's electricity supply is being upgraded in two phases. Phase 1, covering existing installations inside government buildings, started in August 1990 and was completed in November 1992. Phase 2, covering existing installations in buildings managed by the Housing Authority and those in the private sector, began in January 1993 and will be completed in 1997.

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