Abstract: The development efficiency and regional differences of power grid industry directly affect and determine the transition progress of China electric power industry and social economy toward high quality development. The data from 27 provincial power companies subordinated to State Grid Corporation of China for the period of 2010-2016 are taken as the research samples. Then the development efficiency and regional differences of power grid companies are theoretically explored and empirically analyzed from both overall and regional perspectives based on DEA-Malmquist index model. The results show that within the sampled period, the total factor productivity of China power grid industry is generally at a relatively high level, but a gradual declining trend has appeared slightly, mainly due to the slowdown in the rate of technological progress. Specifically, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Shaanxi are on the rise, Zhejiang, Hunan, Chongqing, Liaoning, Jilin and Xinjiang remain stable, while other provinces are on a downward trend. Significant regional differences are also observed between the six major divisions of North China, East China, Central China, Northeast China, Northwest China, and Southwest China.

Key words: power grid industry, development efficiency, regional differences, DEA-Malmquist