China has warned four provinces to pick up the pace in achieving their central government-set energy-saving targets by 2025, as slow progress has seen them falling behind other provinces in controlling the use of energy, according to a statement from the country’s top economic planner.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) summoned officials from Gansu, Hubei, Shaanxi and Qinghai provinces for talks between Sept. 1 to Friday, during which it required them to step up efforts to cut their energy intensity levels, an NDRC statement said Saturday.