公用事业成为反垄断重点，三年严打为民生“降本减负”

Core Viewpoint - The National Market Regulation Administration has identified public utilities as the sector with the highest number of antitrust cases during a three-year special enforcement action, aiming to curb monopolistic behaviors that directly affect both corporate operations and the livelihoods of citizens [1][2]. Group 1: Antitrust Enforcement Actions - Public utilities have been the most frequently targeted area in antitrust enforcement, with significant actions taken against monopolistic practices in essential services like water, electricity, gas, and heating [1]. - The enforcement actions have led to tangible outcomes, including cost reductions, alleviation of burdens, and the establishment of regulations [1]. - Specific cases, such as the collusion among ten bottled liquefied gas operators in Nanjing, resulted in a fine of 8.27 million yuan for price manipulation through coordinated agreements [1]. Group 2: Impact on Small and Medium Enterprises - Long-standing issues like "designated construction" and "forced transactions" in the public utility sector have severely limited the survival space for small and medium enterprises [2]. - The case of Weihai Water Group exemplifies the abuse of market dominance, where the company was fined 65.2 million yuan for forcing local construction firms to use its services, thereby squeezing their operational space [2]. - The enforcement actions are aimed at protecting the legitimate rights of small and medium enterprises, effectively reducing their operational costs and expanding their growth opportunities [2]. Group 3: Future Regulatory Framework - The National Market Regulation Administration is focusing on promoting industry-wide compliance and sustainable development through educational initiatives and the publication of typical cases [2]. - A specialized antitrust guideline for the public utility sector is being developed to provide clearer and more predictable behavioral norms for enterprises, aiming to prevent monopolistic risks from the source [2]. - The ultimate goal of these enforcement actions is not just to address individual cases but to foster a healthy and competitive industry environment [2].