The summer droughts have left Chinese provinces such as Sichuan in a precarious state as far as energy reserves for the coming winter.

Sichuan relies on hydropower for much of its electricity—and its dams and reservoirs don’t have enough stored water.

Sichuan province, which was hit hard by droughts and a subsequent power crisis two months ago as it relies heavily on hydropower, is anticipating a 10 to 30 per cent power shortfall over the winter months in the worst-case scenario.

A lack of rainfall and water in reservoirs and a shortage of coal and gas, as well as difficulties in retaining power generated in Sichuan and purchasing electricity from other provinces, are set to restrict supply, according to China Water, a newspaper supervised by the Ministry of Water Resources.

Blackouts are coming to China.