EBSCN·2026-02-01 15:17Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the public utility sector [6] Core Insights - The commercial model of the power sector is continuously transforming, with a reduced reliance on annual long-term contracts for electricity and prices. The sector is shifting towards mid-to-long-term markets, spot markets, and capacity markets, indicating a comprehensive push for marketization [19][3] - The capacity price mechanism is being refined, with the aim to optimize the electricity market and ensure fair compensation reflecting the contributions of different power plants to peak demand [15][3] - The report highlights the importance of capacity market development, with current subsidies in Gansu and Yunnan reaching 330 RMB/kW·year, which helps offset the decline in electricity prices [19][3] Summary by Sections Market Performance - The SW public utility sector index fell by 1.66% this week, ranking 16th among 31 SW sectors. In comparison, the CSI 300 index rose by 0.08%, while the Shanghai Composite Index and Shenzhen Component Index fell by 0.44% and 1.62%, respectively [33][33] - Within sub-sectors, thermal power decreased by 2.78%, hydropower increased by 0.3%, while solar and wind power fell by 4.53% and 2.49%, respectively [33][33] Price Updates - Domestic and imported thermal coal prices have rebounded slightly, with domestic Qinhuangdao port 5500 kcal thermal coal rising by 4 RMB/ton, remaining below 700 RMB/ton. Imported coal prices also saw a slight increase [12][12] - The average clearing price for electricity in Shanxi and Guangdong has significantly increased due to cold weather, while the monthly agent purchase electricity costs are trending upwards due to rising capacity prices and the entry of renewable energy into the settlement cycle [13][12] Key Events - The National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration issued a notice to improve the capacity price mechanism for power generation, which includes optimizing compensation for coal and gas power generation [3][15] - Recent policy changes include relaxing the annual long-term contract signing ratio for coal-fired power companies and the cancellation of time-of-use electricity pricing in multiple regions [3][15] Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on national thermal power operators such as Huaneng International and Guodian Power, which are expected to maintain stable cash dividends. The profitability of thermal power is anticipated to gradually detach from coal cost dependency, shifting towards multiple influencing factors [19][3] - For long-term stable investment needs, the report recommends attention to companies like Yangtze Power, State Power Investment Corporation, and China National Nuclear Power [19][3]