“负电价”是电力市场改革的“信号灯”

Core Viewpoint - The emergence of negative electricity prices in Sichuan is a reflection of the supply-demand imbalance in the electricity market, driven by an oversupply of electricity from renewable sources and a decrease in demand due to seasonal and economic factors [1][2][3] Supply and Demand Dynamics - Negative electricity prices in Sichuan reached -48.74 yuan/MWh and -49.26 yuan/MWh on September 20 and 21, respectively, with a cumulative duration of -50 yuan/MWh lasting 45 hours [1] - The supply structure in Sichuan is heavily reliant on hydropower, which accounts for 73% of installed capacity, while electricity demand has decreased by 18.1% year-on-year due to lower temperatures and economic adjustments [1] - Similar instances of negative pricing occurred in Shandong and Zhejiang, attributed to significant drops in electricity demand during holidays, despite high renewable energy generation [2] Industry Implications - The occurrence of negative prices is seen as a natural outcome of supply-demand dynamics, not a sign of market failure, and can serve as a signal for necessary adjustments within the industry [3] - Power generation companies are not necessarily losing money during negative pricing periods due to existing subsidies and mechanisms that provide financial stability [3] - The phenomenon encourages power generation companies to innovate, such as integrating energy storage solutions and enhancing flexibility in coal-fired power plants [3] Consumer Impact - Current residential electricity prices are not directly linked to market fluctuations, ensuring stability for consumers despite negative pricing in the wholesale market [4] - Experts caution that frequent occurrences of negative pricing could indicate structural issues within the energy system that need to be addressed through policy and market mechanisms [4] Recommendations for Improvement - Suggestions include promoting the synergy between energy storage and renewable energy, enhancing inter-provincial electricity transmission capabilities, and refining market governance mechanisms to mitigate the frequency of negative pricing [5] - The overall sentiment is that negative pricing should be viewed as a temporary challenge that can lead to positive industry transformation if managed effectively [5]