Core Viewpoint - The National Development and Reform Commission has released four revised methods regarding transmission and distribution pricing, inviting public feedback, which has sparked discussions in the industry about cost allocation in the new power system [1] Summary by Sections Revision Details - The revised methods include the "Cost Supervision and Audit Method for Transmission and Distribution Pricing," the "Provincial Grid Transmission and Distribution Pricing Method," the "Regional Grid Transmission Pricing Method," and the "Special Project Transmission Pricing Method for Inter-provincial and Inter-regional Projects" [1] - The effective period of the "Cost Supervision and Audit Method" has been extended from 3 years to 10 years, enhancing policy stability and predictability [1][4] Cost Allocation Issues - A core issue in the current electricity price revision is the cost allocation due to the high proportion of intermittent renewable energy and fluctuating demand, which affects the operational costs of the system [2] - The revised "Cost Supervision and Audit Method" clarifies which costs are considered "reasonable expenses" and which should be excluded, including new items like "leasing fees," "safety fees," and "environmental protection taxes" [3][4] Regulatory Enhancements - The revision emphasizes both incentives and constraints, aiming to better support the construction of a new power system, and strengthens regulatory oversight by innovatively determining the financing costs of grid companies [3][4] - The synchronization of cost audits and pricing for provincial and regional grids is expected to improve regulatory efficiency and clarity in asset allocation [4] Industry Reactions and Concerns - The revisions have raised concerns among electricity users, power sales companies, and renewable energy investors, particularly regarding the definition of "sales electricity" and the exclusion of new energy storage station costs from transmission pricing [5][6] - There is a need for further clarification on how costs related to new energy storage stations will be managed, as current regulations do not include these costs in system operating expenses [7][9] Compensation Mechanisms - Different provinces have begun implementing capacity compensation and pricing mechanisms for new energy storage stations, which have positively impacted regional investment confidence [7][8] - The compensation methods vary, with some provinces allocating costs to the generation side while others pass them on to users, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to compensation [8][9] Future Considerations - The industry emphasizes the importance of a well-structured capacity compensation mechanism to ensure sustainable development and maintain system reliability [10][11] - As renewable energy's share increases, the demand for auxiliary services will grow, making energy storage a key resource for providing necessary services [11]

Core Viewpoint - The recent announcement of four revised pricing methods for electricity transmission and distribution has garnered significant attention from electricity users, power sales companies, and investors in the renewable energy sector, focusing on the cost-sharing mechanisms within the new power system [1][2]. Summary by Sections Revision Details - The revised methods include the "Cost Monitoring and Audit Method for Transmission and Distribution Pricing," the "Provincial Grid Transmission and Distribution Pricing Method," the "Regional Grid Transmission Pricing Method," and the "Cross-Province and Cross-Region Special Project Transmission Pricing Method." The "Cost Monitoring and Audit Method" has the broadest applicability and highest attention, with its validity period extended from 3 years to 10 years compared to the previous version published in 2019 [1][3][4]. Cost Structure Changes - The revision clarifies which costs are considered "reasonable expenses" for grid companies, adding items such as "leasing fees," "safety fees," "environmental protection taxes," and "water resource taxes" to the allowable costs, while excluding costs related to pumped storage power stations and new energy storage stations [3][4]. Implications for Pricing and Regulation - The extended validity period and synchronized pricing audits across different grid levels are expected to enhance regulatory efficiency and clarity in asset categorization, thereby improving investment and management effectiveness in the electricity grid sector [4][5]. Industry Concerns - Key concerns raised by industry stakeholders include the definition of "sales electricity" in relation to line losses and the exclusion of new energy storage station costs from transmission pricing, prompting discussions on how to manage these costs effectively [5][6]. Capacity Compensation Mechanisms - Various provinces have begun implementing capacity compensation and pricing mechanisms for new energy storage stations, with compensation rates varying significantly. For instance, Inner Mongolia has set a compensation standard of 0.35 yuan/kWh, while Hebei and Gansu have established capacity pricing standards of 100 yuan/kW and 330 yuan/kW, respectively [7][8]. Future Considerations - The need for a balanced approach to compensating new energy storage resources is emphasized, as under-compensation could hinder sustainable development, while over-compensation could lead to inefficiencies. The industry calls for a comprehensive capacity compensation policy to stabilize investor confidence and ensure system reliability [9][10][11].