Chinese State Grid starts using humanoid robots to man power distribution stations

I imagine the goal here was to find a simple tasks to test how well the robots can handle it.

That's a part of it, but generally increasing automation and productivity through advanced industrialization is China's strategy for the long term. The more they can get out of each hour of human labor, the better a position China will be in to direct that productivity into solving social issues. This is the "correct" choice, but isn't always the most profitable, so many Capitalist countries are lagging behind on that front.

I would be glad if every country could pursue automation on pretty much one of the most dangerous jobs to date.

A mistake or accident while working in electricity means there a noticeable chance of a wild arc appearing right in front ready to obliterate you (or at least cook you). I'm fine with a robot taking those risks.

But yeah, let's just assume right away this is because China hates its people, so let's replace everyone with expensive robots. /s