Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent adjustments in time-of-use electricity pricing policies across various regions in China, highlighting their significant impact on commercial and industrial energy storage projects [2][3][19]. Group 1: Time-of-Use Pricing Policy - In the first half of 2025, seven regions including Jilin, Sichuan, and Jiangsu officially updated their time-of-use pricing policies, while three regions issued drafts for public consultation [2][3]. - Key characteristics of the adjustments include changing midday peak periods to flat or valley segments, narrowing the fluctuation range, maintaining stable peak-valley fluctuation ratios, and more refined time segment divisions [2][4][15]. - The adjustments reflect local electricity supply and demand characteristics, significantly affecting the operational revenue of commercial and industrial energy storage projects [3][19]. Group 2: Trends in Pricing Policy Adjustments - Time segment adjustments have led to the midday peak being reclassified as flat or valley periods, with 22 provinces now implementing low valley pricing during midday [4][5]. - The fluctuation range has been reduced, resulting in smaller peak-valley price differences, as seen in Jiangsu where the previous policy allowed for broader price fluctuations [7][13]. - Most provinces did not adjust the peak-valley fluctuation ratios, with Jiangsu being an exception, increasing its ratios for different voltage levels [14]. Group 3: Electricity Grid Purchase Price Situation - From January to July 2025, the average maximum peak-valley price difference across 32 regions was 0.618 yuan/kWh, a 9.1% decrease year-on-year [16]. - The regions with the highest price differences were Guangdong (1.297 yuan/kWh), Hainan (1.053 yuan/kWh), and Hunan (0.975 yuan/kWh) [16][17]. - The adjustments in pricing policies, particularly in Jiangsu, have led to a significant decline in the economic viability of energy storage projects, with estimated daily electricity revenue dropping by 47% from the previous year [19][24]. Group 4: Impact on Commercial and Industrial Energy Storage Development - The changes in pricing policies, especially in Jiangsu, have posed challenges to the economic feasibility of energy storage projects, necessitating further market exploration and participation in virtual power plants and demand response initiatives [19][24]. - The rapid growth of renewable energy installations in Jiangsu, which reached over 100 million kW, has influenced the operational models of distributed solar + storage systems [24]. - The article emphasizes the need for thorough market research and monitoring of electricity supply and demand structures in major solar installation provinces to adapt to policy changes and market reforms [24].

Core Viewpoint - The provincial development and reform commission announced an optimization of the time-of-use electricity pricing policy, effective from August 1, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of electricity consumption and ensuring stable economic operations. Group 1: Policy Adjustments - The optimization includes adjustments to peak and valley time periods and an expansion of the execution range of the time-of-use pricing policy [1][3] - The new pricing structure divides the day into three segments: peak, flat, and valley, each lasting 8 hours [1][4] - The peak hours are set from 16:00 to 24:00, while the valley hours span from 00:00 to 16:00, allowing for a continuous 16-hour low-cost period [2][4] Group 2: Impact on Users - The adjustments are expected to lower midday electricity costs by reallocating peak hours, potentially releasing an additional 3 million kilowatts of electricity demand [2] - The reduction of peak hours includes the cancellation of peak pricing in September, resulting in a total decrease of 120 peak pricing hours annually [2] - The policy now allows commercial users with a capacity of 100 kVA or below to choose between time-of-use pricing or flat pricing, enhancing user flexibility [3] Group 3: Specific User Considerations - Hospitals, previously exempt from the time-of-use pricing policy, can now opt to participate based on their electricity consumption needs [3]