Water shortages have forced more than 100 small hydro plants in southern China to be closed down temporarily, to conserve water for farming.
The closures have reduced power generation in Guangdong Province by 1MkW hours since 15 October, according to a report from the Water Resources Ministry.
Guangdong has been struck by its worst drought in 51 years, severely affecting water levels in the Dongjiang river, which is the source of drinking water for more than 36 million people.
Small hydro power plants in Guangdong have suffered losses amounting to US$242M as a result of the drought, according to the Water Resources Ministry website.