Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the issuance of the "Guidelines for the Construction of Continuous Operation Markets in Electricity Spot Trading Areas," which aims to enhance the development of the electricity spot market in China, promoting resource allocation, renewable energy consumption, and ensuring power supply security [2][3]. Group 1: Background and Purpose - The guidelines were created in response to significant advancements in the electricity spot market, with seven provinces officially operating spot markets and plans for others to follow by the end of the year [3]. - The guidelines aim to implement the directives from the 20th National Congress regarding energy system reform and the establishment of a unified national electricity market [3][4]. Group 2: Scope and Design Principles - The guidelines apply to provinces where the electricity spot market is officially running or in trial operation, with other regions encouraged to reference them [4]. - The design principles focus on market-driven approaches, local adaptability, and orderly coordination, addressing common issues faced in provincial electricity market construction [4]. Group 3: Main Content of the Guidelines - The guidelines consist of nine articles divided into two parts: - The first part focuses on integrated design for a competitive and efficient electricity market mechanism, including optimizing spot trading mechanisms, improving medium- and long-term trading mechanisms, and establishing auxiliary service market systems [5]. - The second part outlines operational requirements for the electricity market, emphasizing market intervention mechanisms, operational capacity enhancement, regulatory oversight, and organizational support [6]. Group 4: Institutional Design - The guidelines propose three main institutional designs: - Integrated design of various trading products to reflect the true value of electricity and ensure cost recovery [8]. - Encouragement of competition among different market participants, adhering to a "technology-neutral" principle [8]. - Establishment of market monitoring and control mechanisms to promote orderly competition and realistic pricing [9]. Group 5: Implementation Steps - The National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration will promote the guidelines, guiding relevant departments and regulatory bodies in continuous market development [10]. - They will also monitor the construction of electricity markets in regions with continuous operation and revise the guidelines as necessary to adapt to new conditions and requirements [10].