Shanghai's electricity consumption — a key gauge of economic activity — surpassed 200 billion kilowatt-hours for the first time last year, cementing its leading position among global mega cities, according to State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Co.

Total power use in Shanghai hit 208.89 billion kWh in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.28 percent, according to State Grid Shanghai data. The record volume — which is 3.8 times that of New York and 2.5 times that of Tokyo — has secured Shanghai's leading position in annual power use among major cities across the world.

Among all, emerging industries and the services sector have become the main drivers of Shanghai's electricity demand. The electricity consumption can also be attributed to meeting the electricity needs of nearly 60 million households — each of which consumes 3,500 kWh — for a whole year.

"Electricity consumption is regarded as a barometer and bellwether of economic and social development," Liu Panpan, a chief engineer and chief expert in load forecasting with State Grid Shanghai, said.

"Shanghai's annual power consumption topping all Chinese cities has not only reflected the city's significance as the nation's economic hub, but also showcased its steady progress in high-quality economic development and industrial transformation and upgrade," Liu said.