Hydro electric dams across Southwest China are sitting unused, due to widespread drought affecting the region.
While hydro-electricity is an effective way to generate clean power, the technology is only as effective as the amount of water running through the system.
In Yunnan province, the local reservoir dried up completely February.
There's been no significant rain in the region since last autumn.
The lack of water has forced generators to be switched off, cutting the province's power generation by 30 percent.
Owner of Luoping County Niujie River Hydropower Company Chen Shichun says the situation is dire.
'Normally the water would be around eight meters deep, but now there's not even a drop. If it goes on like this we stand to lose about 440,000 dollars in a year,' he said.
If the rains don't come soon, workers at the plant could lose their jobs, while farmers in the area stand to lose livestock and crops.
