Core Viewpoint - The recent notice from the National Development and Reform Commission and the Energy Administration aims to enhance the price mechanism to promote the nearby consumption of renewable energy, requiring that the annual self-consumption of renewable energy should account for no less than 60% of the total available generation capacity and 30% of total electricity consumption, with new projects starting from 2030 required to meet at least 35% [1] Investment Highlights - The notice recommends commercial rooftop photovoltaics and highlights the potential of companies like Ankerui. It emphasizes the need for projects to have metering conditions and for grid companies to install metering devices to accurately measure electricity data at various stages [1] - The bidding for large-scale energy storage in August exceeded expectations, with a recommendation for storage operators like Southern Grid Storage. The combination of AI and the finalized document No. 136 is expected to drive the economic viability of large-scale storage, with domestic demand exceeding expectations [1] - Southern Grid Storage is positioned to benefit significantly as a large-scale storage operator within the Southern Grid, with a projected cumulative installed capacity of 654,200 kW and 1,298,300 kWh by the first half of 2025, alongside 10.28 million kW of pumped storage capacity [1] Industry Core Data Tracking - Electricity prices saw a 2% year-on-year decrease and a 1.3% month-on-month increase in August 2025. The price of thermal coal was reported at 680 RMB/ton as of September 12, 2025, reflecting a week-on-week increase of 1 RMB/ton [2] - The water level at the Three Gorges Reservoir was recorded at 162.88 meters, with inflow and outflow rates showing significant year-on-year increases of 33.59% and 198.15%, respectively [2] - Total electricity consumption from January to July 2025 reached 5.86 trillion kWh, a year-on-year increase of 4.5%, with various sectors showing different growth rates [2] - Cumulative power generation for the same period was 5.47 trillion kWh, with a year-on-year increase of 1.3%, while installed capacity additions in the first half of 2025 showed significant growth in renewable sources like wind and solar [2] Investment Recommendations - Companies within the Southern Grid system, such as Southern Grid Energy, Southern Grid Storage, and Southern Grid Technology, are recommended for investment opportunities [3] - The green electricity sector is expected to see improvements in asset quality and growth potential, with specific companies highlighted for attention [3] - The value of photovoltaic assets and charging station assets is anticipated to be reassessed positively due to regulatory support and market dynamics [3] - Investment opportunities in thermal power, particularly in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, are also recommended [3] - The hydropower sector is expected to benefit from rising prices and low costs, with strong cash flow and dividend capabilities [3] - The nuclear power sector is projected to grow, with multiple approvals for new units expected to enhance profitability and dividends [3]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Overweight" rating for the utility sector, specifically recommending South Network Energy and South Network Storage for investment opportunities [1]. Core Insights - The National Development and Reform Commission and the Energy Administration have issued a notice to improve the pricing mechanism for promoting the nearby consumption of renewable energy, recommending commercial rooftop photovoltaics from South Network Energy and paying attention to Anke Rui [4]. - The large-scale energy storage tender in August exceeded expectations, with South Network Storage being recommended as a storage operator. The economic viability of large-scale storage is expected to improve steadily, driven by AI and the implementation of Document No. 136 [4]. - The report highlights significant growth in electricity consumption and generation, with total electricity consumption from January to July 2025 reaching 5.86 trillion kWh, a year-on-year increase of 4.5% [13]. - The report tracks key industry data, including electricity prices, coal prices, and water conditions, indicating a stable environment for utility investments [4][40][45]. Summary by Sections Industry Trends - The utility sector index increased by 0.80% from September 8 to September 12, 2025, underperforming compared to the ChiNext index [9]. - The report notes that the total electricity consumption for the first seven months of 2025 was 5.86 trillion kWh, with a year-on-year growth of 4.5% [13]. Electricity Consumption - The first industry saw a year-on-year increase of 10.8%, the second industry 2.8%, the third industry 7.8%, and urban and rural residential electricity consumption 4.1% [13]. Electricity Generation - Total electricity generation from January to July 2025 was 5.47 trillion kWh, with a year-on-year increase of 1.3%. Notably, coal and hydropower generation saw declines of 1.3% and 4.5%, respectively [21]. Electricity Prices - The average electricity purchase price from the grid in August 2025 was 388 RMB/MWh, a year-on-year decrease of 2% but a month-on-month increase of 1.3% [40]. Coal Prices - As of September 12, 2025, the price of thermal coal at Qinhuangdao port was 680 RMB/ton, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 20.65% [45]. Water Conditions - The water level at the Three Gorges Reservoir was 162.88 meters as of September 12, 2025, with inflow and outflow rates showing significant year-on-year increases of 33.59% and 198.15%, respectively [54]. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on listed companies within the South Network system, including South Network Energy, South Network Storage, and South Network Technology, highlighting opportunities in green electricity, photovoltaic assets, and charging station asset value reassessment [4].