Electricity charges may go up 10% if coal-fired power stations are switched to natural gas-operated ones and more space will be taken up for natural gas storage, Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says.

Speaking on an RTHK talkshow this morning, Dr Liao said factories and power stations in Guangdong have started building desulphurisation facilities to reduce the air pollutant emissions. It is anticipated that regional air quality will improve in two or three years' time when such facilities are in operation.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong and Guangdong have committed to improving air quality and reducing the problem of smog by 2010. For details, click here.

Dr Liao said the Government aims to use cleaner fuels such as natural gases and nuclear power to generate electricity. Local power stations have been asked to consider using more natural gases and to outfit power plants with desulphurisation facilities.

Dr Liao stressed everyone has a role in improving air quality, and called on people to help save electricity by using less air-conditioning.