URUMQI — China’s National Development and Reform Commission has allocated 2.65 billion yuan ($420 million) to upgrade the power grid in rural Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region this year.

According to the regional government on Feb 26, substations and transmission lines will be built or renovated to support rural development and electric heating.

Power grid upgrades have benefited over 4 million farmers and herders in Xinjiang over the past five years. Industries such as fruit processing, ethnic handicrafts and stock farming have since thrived.