Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province in East China and home to approximately 9.57 million residents across 11 districts, is actively working to upgrade its electrical infrastructure to meet the surging power demands of its growing population.

Local resident Zeng Yonglin, 68, who lives in the Fuchunli community, expressed previous concerns about the old power equipment on his daily route to the market, particularly during rainy weather, due to safety fears.

In response to such concerns, the local power supplier, State Grid Nanjing Power Supply Co., has initiated an extensive renovation project to replace outdated power supply systems as part of Nanjing's goal of transforming into a modern and safe urban hub.

Zeng remarked on the positive changes, stating that the new installations not only enhance safety but also contribute to a more aesthetically pleasing environment compared to the old infrastructure, originally built in the 1990s.

The renovation, which began in December 2024, involves upgrading 12 distribution transformers over 600 meters, placing overhead lines underground, and creating new cable channels.

Project staff member Wang Zouhong confirmed the renovation is structured in six phases, with an anticipated completion date by the end of June.

Concerns from local business owners, such as Huang Zhiguang of the Farmyard Restaurant, were alleviated as the new power equipment was installed seamlessly, ensuring continuity of electricity supply.

To address power generation needs during the renovation works, State Grid Nanjing implemented innovative methods that included medium and low voltage generation and the use of miniaturized generators to maintain uninterrupted service.

With the completion of this project, the average age of the power line's main equipment is expected to significantly decrease from 18.4 years to just 3.1 years, while also enhancing the intelligence of the systems in place.

This modernization not only boosts the reliability of the power supply but also strategically accommodates future energy needs, particularly with the rise of charging stations in new shopping areas and the electrification of vibrant food streets.

As Nanjing seeks to accelerate economic development and foster new industrial capacities, the demand for robust power services continues to grow, positioning the city among the ranks of China's leading urban centers.

Despite the ambitious improvements, Shi Zhiqiang from the service center acknowledged the challenges, emphasizing that each enhancement requires substantial effort, especially given the city's vast population and geographical expanse.