Shanghai begins rationing electricity for industrial use Wednesday as part of a plan to help bridge the gap between power demand and supply during the hot summer months.

　　Shanghai government officials said all industrial operations could face possible shutdowns during the hottest weeks, from mid-July through the end of August, and that thousands were likely to suspend production or shift output to nighttime hours.

　　The city faces a potential peak demand of 19 million kilowatts, about 2 million kilowatts more than the power grid is equipped to handle, the Shanghai Daily reported.

　　Last year, Shanghai darkened its landscape lighting and ordered air conditioners in public venues such as shopping malls adjusted to a balmy 26 degrees Celsius.