Hong Kong business groups give thumbs down to electricity imports from mainland
Business groups oppose proposal to buy 30pc of Hong Kong's electricity from across the border, citing concerns over reliability of mainland grid
Elite business groups have come out against a government proposal to import 30 per cent of Hong Kong's electricity from the mainland, favouring the present high degree of self-sufficiency.
The business sector, which consumes 23 billion kilowatt-hours, or half, of the city's electricity, cited concerns over the reliability of power sourced from the mainland grid.
"The import option should only be considered when we are comfortable with the mainland supply," a member of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce said.
Tens of thousands of submissions are thought to have been filed to the Environment Bureau, which has come out strongly in favour of buying in more power.
The consultation reduces the issue to two options: to buy enough electricity from the Southern China Power Grid to meet 30 per cent of electricity demand - equal to 15 billion kilowatt-hours by 2023 - or to triple gas-fired local generation to 60 per cent.
The general chamber favours local generation, according to two members familiar with the body's draft position.
