China clean heating drive leaves Hebei villagers struggling cope

January 10, 2026 / 10:04 AM

neighbourhood affected by heating subsidy policy

Sharjah24-AFP: Nearly a decade after China began curbing coal burning to combat winter smog, residents of northern Hebei Province are struggling to afford heating as government subsidies for clean energy systems have largely been phased out.

In 2017, authorities mandated the replacement of coal-fired stoves with electric and natural gas systems across northern regions surrounding Beijing. While central funding initially covered stove conversions, subsidies were reduced after three years, leaving many rural households facing sharply higher winter bills.

Villagers limit heating amid financial strain

In Xushui district, about 100 kilometres from Beijing, villagers said that they avoid turning on heating despite sub-zero temperatures, citing monthly costs of up to 1,000 yuan. Others reported annual bills of 7,000 yuan for village homes, significantly higher than for urban apartments, forcing families to rely on extra blankets to stay warm.

Public debate and policy challenges

Reports highlighting higher rural gas prices in Hebei than in Beijing briefly circulated on social media before being taken down. China’s Ministry of Finance said billions of yuan had been allocated for clean heating but confirmed that installation and fuel subsidies would not be renewed, offering only limited additional rural support without details.