BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang has stressed that more efforts were needed to ensure stable energy supply, which should be regarded as a key task in regulating current economic operation.

    Li made the remarks Wednesday when inspecting the State Electricity Regulatory Commission and the State Grid Corporation of China on power supply during winter.

    He urged relative departments to help the grassroots relieve supply-demand strains in certain areas.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (L, front) inspects the State Electricity Regulatory Commission in Beijing, Jan. 14, 2010. Li Keqiang inspected the State Electricity Regulatory Commission and the State Grid Corporation of China Thursday on power supply during winter

    Snow and temperature drops have hit much of China, and the demand for coal, power, gas and transportation soared sharply. The pressure from power consumption kept on climbing in winter, Li said.

    More efforts were needed to improve coal output and supply, optimize power production and management, ensure oil and gas supply and improve energy transmission, Li said.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (2nd R) speaks at a conference when inspecting the State Electricity Regulatory Commission and the State Grid Corporation of China on power supply during winter in Beijing, Jan. 14, 2010