China's power generation in October was the highest ever for a month.

Data from the Statistics Bureau showed that China's electricity generation in October was at its highest level in almost three decades.

The power generation in October was 800.2 billion Kilowatt-hours, up 7.9% on a year ago and the highest since 1998.

The increase in electricity demand resulted in a 7.3% rise in the thermal power production, or fossil fuelled power, at 513.8 billions kWh. This was the highest output of thermal power for October since the 1990s.

China's thermal energy output is mainly coal, with a little natural gas.

Thermal generation, however, was down from 517.6 billion kWh in Septembre and down 0.4% over the entire first 10 months of this year.

The hydropower output for October was up 28.2% compared to the same month a year ago.

National Bureau of Statistics data reflects the output of industrial enterprises that have revenues of over 20 million yuan (2.81 million dollars).

Due to the requirement for minimum revenue, the NBS data may understate the increase in electricity generation.

The National Energy Administration will release more detailed data later this month. (Reporting and editing by Tom Hogue; Colleen Hogue, Colleen Howe)

(source: Reuters)