Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recently released "Basic Rules for the Medium and Long-term Electricity Market" by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration, aimed at establishing a unified national electricity market and regulating medium and long-term electricity trading behavior [2][8]. Overall Requirements - The construction of the medium and long-term electricity market and the spot electricity market will be coordinated, ensuring smooth transitions in trading sequences, clearing, and market settlements to balance long-term supply and demand [3]. - Cross-regional trading will be promoted, encouraging innovative mechanisms for inter-provincial trading and resource sharing [3][4]. - Market operators will conduct registration, trading organization, settlement, and information disclosure according to unified standards [3]. Participant Registration - Electricity users can purchase all their electricity through wholesale or retail markets but cannot participate in both simultaneously. Users not directly participating can have their electricity purchased by grid companies [5][20]. Pricing Mechanism - The overall principles for market pricing will be set by the State Council's pricing authority, with local authorities developing specific implementation details [6]. - Transaction prices will be formed by market participants, with no third-party interference, and green electricity prices will consist of energy prices and environmental values [6][7]. - The government will set price limits to prevent market manipulation and ensure fair pricing [7][39]. Trading Types and Price Mechanism - Medium and long-term trading will include various delivery periods, with green electricity trading being a significant focus, allowing for the purchase of renewable energy [34][35]. - Contracts can be transferred to third parties, and green electricity contracts must ensure traceability of environmental values [36][38]. Transaction Organization - Cross-regional transactions will be organized by designated electricity trading centers, with monthly trading calendars published by trading institutions [41][42]. - Key parameters for transactions must be clearly defined before trading begins, and adjustments cannot be made during the trading process [44]. Contract Management - All market participants must sign medium and long-term trading contracts, which will serve as the basis for execution [64][65]. - In emergencies, the electricity dispatching agency can prioritize safety in scheduling and report incidents to regulatory bodies [68]. Measurement and Settlement - Settlements will generally occur monthly, with specific reference points for pricing established based on market clearing prices [72][73]. - Green electricity transactions will have separate settlements for energy and environmental values, ensuring compliance with sustainability pricing mechanisms [78]. Information Disclosure - Market information will be disclosed periodically, with a retention period of at least two years [81][82]. Technical Support System - The electricity trading platform will include various functional modules to support market operations and ensure data interoperability among different systems [84][86].

Core Viewpoint - The National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration have issued a notice to enhance the signing and performance of medium- and long-term electricity contracts for 2026 through four key measures, aiming to ensure effective implementation and quality of these contracts [22][25]. Group 1: Contract Signing Requirements - The total signed electricity volume for medium- and long-term contracts by coal-fired power enterprises in each province should not be less than 70% of the actual online electricity volume from the previous year, with monthly contract signing volumes not less than 80% of the expected market-based online electricity volume [10][26]. - The electricity consumption side must ensure that the monthly contract signing volume is not less than 80% of the expected electricity consumption [2][27]. - For cross-provincial and cross-regional contracts, there should be clear arrangements for supporting renewable energy in transmission projects, encouraging green electricity trading to fulfill priority generation plans [3][28]. Group 2: Quality Improvement Measures - There should be a mechanism for time-segmented and curve-based signing in annual electricity medium- and long-term transactions, with at least 24 trading periods in regions where the electricity spot market is operational [5][28]. - The pricing mechanism for medium- and long-term electricity contracts should be flexible, allowing for adjustments based on market supply and demand, and not mandating fixed prices [6][29]. - A balance management system for electricity supply and demand should be established to avoid significant discrepancies in electricity volume across trading periods [12][29]. Group 3: Efficient Contract Performance - Continuous and flexible trading of medium- and long-term contracts within provinces should be promoted, considering the characteristics of renewable energy generation and load [8][30]. - The quality of cross-provincial and cross-regional medium- and long-term transactions should be improved by enhancing trading frequency and optimizing transaction organization [14][30]. - Monitoring of medium- and long-term trading behaviors should be strengthened to prevent market manipulation and ensure compliance with regulations [15][31]. Group 4: Contract Assurance Mechanism - A mechanism to promote high-quality signing and performance of medium- and long-term contracts should be established, ensuring compliance with policy requirements [16][32]. - The priority generation plan for cross-provincial and cross-regional electricity should be effectively implemented, ensuring that annual delivery needs are met [17][33]. Group 5: Timeline - Local government departments and the National Energy Administration should complete the necessary preparations for the medium- and long-term electricity market by December 10, 2025, and finalize cross-provincial contract signing by December 25, 2025 [18][34].