Investment Rating - The report suggests a positive outlook for the utility sector, particularly for coal-fired power operators, with a recommendation to focus on quality transformation operators such as Huaneng International, Datang Power, Guodian Power, Huadian International, China Power, China Resources Power, and Funiu Co., Ltd. [7] Core Insights - The report highlights the importance of the capacity compensation mechanism in addressing the long-standing issue of fixed cost recovery in the coal-fired power sector. The implementation of a reliable capacity compensation mechanism is expected to resolve the dual pricing system between long-term contracts and spot market prices, leading to a more balanced electricity market. [2][5][7] - The report anticipates that by 2026, the national capacity supply-demand ratio will reach 84%-96%, with capacity prices ranging from 276 to 316 RMB/year·kW. This is expected to alleviate the downward pressure on long-term contract prices significantly. [7] - The report emphasizes that the introduction of the capacity compensation mechanism will decouple the fixed cost recovery from long-term contract pricing, thus allowing coal-fired power to return to being a public utility. [7] Summary by Sections Introduction - The report discusses the recent announcement by the National Development and Reform Commission regarding the improvement of the capacity price mechanism, which aims to unify various types of regulatory power sources under a new reform initiative. [18] Importance of Capacity Compensation Mechanism - The capacity price is designed to compensate for fixed costs associated with power plants, which include capital costs, fixed operating and maintenance costs, and taxes. This mechanism is crucial for ensuring that power companies can recover their fixed costs effectively. [21][22] International Examples and Domestic Innovations - The report references the PJM capacity market mechanism in the U.S. and the innovative capacity compensation mechanism trialed in Gansu Province, which aims to achieve near-full recovery of fixed costs. [6] Breaking the Profitability Dilemma - The report concludes that if the reliable capacity compensation mechanism is implemented nationwide, it will significantly reduce the profitability challenges faced by coal-fired power plants under the current dual pricing system. [7]