Power Company Addresses Typhoon-Related Rumors, Denies Extra Charges
A power utility in China has debunked rumors about exaggerated outage areas, mischaracterized actions, and fabricated charges following a recent typhoon.
A Chinese power company has responded to a wave of online rumors circulating after a recent typhoon caused widespread heavy rainfall and power outages in Guangxi province. The company has clarified issues related to the scale of outages, the nature of restoration efforts, and alleged new fees.
Addressing claims of high "repair fees" for restoring electricity, the utility stated such charges are false. The company emphasized that repairing and restoring power are part of its standard service, and no extra fees are collected. Electricity bills are strictly settled according to national standards. Residents encountering individuals demanding such payments are advised to verify with the power company's hotline and avoid transferring funds.
The utility also refuted reports of city-wide blackouts due to the typhoon. While acknowledging that severe weather can cause localized line failures, it clarified that simultaneous, full-city outages are not to be expected. Separately, the company addressed concerns about water-damaged electricity meters, stating that meters typically stop functioning or are damaged by water, rather than accelerating their readings. Users with concerns can request meter verification.
These clarifications come as authorities are also examining the spread of AI-generated weather forecasts. Previous reports highlighted concerns about online influencers using large language models to predict typhoon paths and rainfall, potentially causing confusion and public anxiety.