The national power generating capacity rose 13.4 percent year-on-year in the first nine months of this year to 1,773.983 billion kwh, said sources with the China Electricity Council.

Of the electricity generated in the first three quarters, hydropower accounted for 273.603 billion kwh with a year-on-year rise of 21 percent, according to statistics with the council.

During the period, thermal power generated reached 1450.593 billion kwh with a year-on-year rise of 12.2 percent and nuclear power 40.573 billion kwh with a rise of 9.7 percent year on year.

At the end of September, the five major power companies of Huaneng, Datang, Huadian, Guodian and Zhongdian accounted for 42.83 percent of the national installed capacity and generated electricity of 673.4 billion kwh, rising 20.13 percent year on year and accounting for 37.96 percent of the national electricity generated.

(Xinhua News Agency October 31, 2005)