美国“电荒”，中国“电卷”

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the contrasting electricity pricing trends in the United States and China, highlighting the impact of different market mechanisms and regulatory environments on electricity costs and consumption [6][8][18]. Group 1: Electricity Pricing in the U.S. - In the U.S., electricity prices are driven by a market mechanism that reflects supply and demand, leading to significant price increases when demand outstrips supply [10][12]. - The average electricity price in the U.S. has been rising over the past two years, attributed to necessary infrastructure upgrades and the costs associated with transitioning to AI technologies [11][12]. - The pricing mechanism in the U.S. serves as a signal for investment in power generation and encourages consumers to reduce usage during peak times [10][12]. Group 2: Electricity Pricing in China - In contrast, China's electricity prices are experiencing a downward trend, with a reported 10% year-on-year decrease in purchasing prices since the beginning of 2025 [6][15]. - The decline in electricity prices in China is a result of aggressive supply-side expansions, particularly in coal and renewable energy sectors, without a corresponding surge in demand [15][16]. - The Chinese electricity market operates under a macroeconomic framework where electricity is treated as a public utility, leading to lower prices that benefit manufacturing but pressure power generation companies [19][20]. Group 3: Implications of Pricing Mechanisms - The article emphasizes that in the U.S., consumers bear the immediate costs of rising electricity prices, which can lead to public protests and demands for regulatory changes [18][20]. - In China, the burden of low electricity prices is shifted to the supply side, where power generation companies and equipment manufacturers face reduced profitability, impacting their operational viability [19][20]. - The contrasting approaches to electricity pricing reflect broader economic strategies, with the U.S. prioritizing market-driven signals and China focusing on maintaining low costs for consumers and industries [8][20].